Lucy V. (Graziano) Berardino

Mrs. Lucy V. (Graziano) Berardino, age 85, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at the St. Luke’s Home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on January 25, 1929, Lucy was the daughter of the late Philip and Lucia (Pella) Graziano. Raised and educated locally, she graduated with honors from T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1947. She then pursued her professional studies at the Bellevue School of Nursing in New York City, a prominent and elite school affiliated with NYU, and recognized as a center of excellence in nursing education. Lucy was humbly proud of her higher education and the distinction of graduating summa cum laude with a degree in nursing. On April 11, 1955 she wed Sam F. Berardino, Jr. with whom she shared 36 years in a marriage characterized by the values of their era --- loyalty, faith, and commitment to family values. Sam passed away on December 31, 1991. Lucy began her nursing career at Oneida County General Hospital where she met her love, best friend, and soul mate, Sam, who was a pharmacy student. Through her dedication and compassion, she rose to the position of Operating Room Nurse. When her children were born, she left the workforce to raise her family which was paramount to her. In later years, she found comfort in nursing at the Cedarlands Boy Scout Camp in the Adirondacks and with Oxford Nursing Services. Her children had been told on many occasions that their mother was highly respected and remembered as an outstanding professional and one of the best in her field. Blessed with an upbeat personality, Lucy held her optimism in the face of adversity. She had a smile on her face, kind words on her lips, and cordial compliments for others. Her heart was filled with goodness and kindness and she found the time to help anyone in need. She cared for others with compassion and a lively spirit. On the home front, Lucy was famous for her flair for entertaining at the many social events associated with her husband’s career and community endeavors. Cheerful and hospitable, Lucy made her home a place of warmth and welcome for family and friends to get together. She enjoyed boating, traveling, and above all, spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. As devout Catholics, Lucy and her husband were active in laying the foundation needed to construct the new St. John the Evangelist Parish in the early 1960’s where they remained parishioners all their married life. Lucy served as vice-president of the New Hartford PTA and was actively supported Scouting. Lucy is survived by her sons and daughters-in-laws, Marc Carmen and Lisa (Calongne) Berardino of Vernon, and Sam F. III and Laine Berardino of New Hartford; her grandchildren, Matthew Berardino; Lindsay Berardino, and Liane Berardino and fiancé Steven Zalewski to whom she will be wed on Saturday. She is also survived by her sister, Philomena Stoio and sister-in-law Ann Graziano of Utica, as well as her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings and their spouses, Phillip A. Graziano, Elizabeth and Tom Marsh, Sandra Graziano, Mary and Vincent LaColla, and Thomas Graziano. Her brother-in-law, Louis Stoio; and her late husband’s siblings, Emilio Berardino and Josephine Berardino. The family would like to thank Lucy’s longtime physician Dr. Dhabhar and Nurse Practitioner Lisa Anweiler; and the entire staff of the St. Luke’s Home who are an outstanding group of compassionate caregivers who enlightened Lucy’s life with their love. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St, corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions in Lucy’s honor may be considered to the Faxton-St. Luke’s HealthCare Foundation; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Lucy’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. John the Evangelist Church, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Paul Drobin. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Lucy V. (Graziano) Berardino

January 25, 1929 - June 21, 2014