Mrs. Linda A. (Ryan) Denato

UTICA – Mrs. Linda A. (Ryan) Denato, age 74, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026. Born in Utica on April 20, 1951, Linda was the daughter of the late James Edward Jr. and Ann Marie (Gottuso) Ryan. She was a proud graduate of T. R. Proctor High School, Class of 1968. She then furthered her studies at MVCC, where she received a medical assistant certification. It was in high school on Flag Day, June 14, 1968, that she met the love of her life, Louis D. Denato, at a friend’s house, followed by a CYO dance at St. Agnes Church. Her smile locked the deal and the two were united in holy matrimony on May 9, 1970 - they shared a loving and devoted union for 55 years, creating beautiful family memories. Their family was built on a strong foundation and continued until Linda’s last day. She provided unwavering support to her husband and children. Professionally, Linda wore many hats and held a variety of jobs while simultaneously having her four children over the span of 16 years from 1970-1986. After high school, she briefly worked at Dodge Graphic Press as a receptionist and later joined the advertising department at the Observer-Dispatch. Following that she worked at Dr. Albert Altongy’s dental office, served as a nursing assistant at Eastern Star Nursing Home, and worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital’s medical records department. Later, she found her passion providing private home care and housekeeping services to the elderly. She loved caring for her clients and helping them to maintain their dignity in their own homes. For a short period of time, she even worked with her family running a pizzeria franchise which she loved. Though she held many jobs over the years, her crowning achievement was her family. This was where she truly shone and put in the most work. She was a traditionalist with strong family values. Her efforts were concentrated and it showed. She was a consummate professional homemaker who made her house a home for everyone. Her finest traits and virtues were on display when she was with her family. One of her greatest blessings was becoming a grandmother, and she carried her wonderful motherly skills into the next generation. Linda loved to laugh and had a way of making every moment more enjoyable. She loved to dance to ’80s music with her husband, especially Hall & Oates. If a song had a beat, she was on the dance floor. They were the quintessential dance couple. She loved nothing more than being a supportive mother to all her children in their endeavors, especially at hockey games. She never missed ice time, she could always be seen cheering loudest of all the fellow hockey parents, many of whom became fast friends. When her children had any life issues she would tell them, “keep on keeping on.” She was one of the first females to join the young men’s organization the Utica Jaycees. Linda is survived by her beloved husband, Louis; children and their spouses, Marialena A. and Stash Zielinski, Suzanne Denato and Kenny Gotte, Louis D. Denato, Jr. and Erin Vetter, and Nicholas J. and Melissa Denato; grandchildren, Amanda Talerico and her fiancé Cody Stone, Joseph Talerico, Sydney Zielinski; Lynde Schultz III, Sierra Schultz and Matthew Hall; Araya and Bill Rust; Cameron Denato, and Caiden Denato; and great-grandchildren, Cleo, Ellie Grace, Delilah Rose, Lainey Lynn, and the anticipation of her fifth great-grandchild expected in June. She held close to her heart the memories of her brothers, James Patrick Ryan, and Anthony D. Ryan. She is additionally survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; aunt, Beryl “Bee” Gottuso; cousins, Gina Mancini, Donna Dodson, Carol McDonald, John Ryan, Joyce Boulerice, and Anthony and Terry Fargnoli; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary Denato, Melissa Bongiorni, Joseph Cotrupe, Rose and Chris Cirillo and their son Christopher; and many wonderful friends from high school and work, especially Charlene and Dan Laino, and a large masonic family of friends. She loved them all. The Denato children would like to thank their father for tending to their mother, in her fight with dementia over the last six years, loving her, and selflessly setting a remarkable example of sacrifice and unwavering commitment. Louis gives special thanks to his two daughters Marialena and Suzanne for their contributions to the care of their mother, giving him needed respite to run errands, attend meetings, shop, and complete tasks. Linda loved their visits and special treatment with her hair and nails. Her smile said it all! Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Linda’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Linda A. (Ryan) Denato

April 20, 1951 - January 19, 2026