Mrs. Mafalda M. "Mitzi" (DePastina) DePerno

UTICA – Mrs. Mafalda M. “Mitzi” (DePastina) DePerno, age 101, was gently called home to Heaven on Sunday, April 12, 2026, where she was reunited with her loved ones, especially her daughters, Marianne and Dorthea, who forever remained cradled in her heart. Born in Utica on December 24, 1924, Mitzi was the beloved daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Leonard) DePastina. A proud graduate of T. R. Proctor High School, Class of 1943, she remained a devoted lifelong resident of Utica, a place her roots grew deep and her life blossomed into one rich with love, family, tradition, and treasured memories. On May 10, 1947, those roots intertwined with a love story for the ages when Mitzi joined in holy matrimony with John J. “Captain John” DePerno. Their love began as high school sweethearts and endured through the tender exchange of heartfelt letters, while she patiently awaited her captain’s return home from war. Together they built a beautifully full life, blessed with four daughters, and sharing more than 80 incredible years side by side. Their partnership was a perfect harmony - Mitzi’s gentle calm and steady grace complementing Captain John’s vibrant spirit. Together, they proudly operated the iconic Captain John’s Restaurant in Sylvan Beach for over 25 years, a labor of love that welcomed not only patrons but generations of family into its embrace. Above all, Mitzi was the heart of her home. As a devoted homemaker, she poured herself into the care and happiness of her family, creating a warm and nurturing haven filled with faith, tradition, and the comforting aromas of her kitchen. She took great joy in passing down her culinary gifts and cherished customs to her children and grandchildren, weaving her legacy into each generation. Her unwavering reliability – never a minute late, always there when needed – was a quiet but powerful expression of her love. Mitzi found beauty in life’s simple pleasures. Whether enjoying a leisurely afternoon of shopping, gathering dandelions for a fresh salad, sharing laughter over tea and a spirited game of Boggle, or savoring Sunday sauce and braciole with family, she embraced each moment with radiant happiness. Her home was her sanctuary, and there she delighted in the familiar comforts of her daily rituals, from reading the newspaper’s comics to solving its crossword puzzles. Faith shimmered softly at the heart of Mitzi’s life, guiding her with grace, humility, and unwavering love. She was a devout Catholic and a proud member of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. Mitzi is survived by her beloved husband, John; and her loving daughters and sons-in-law, Elaine DePerno-Brown and her husband Andy, and Joni DePerno-Zahas and her husband Scott. She held dear the memory of her beautiful daughters who preceded her, Marianne Jakubowski and Dorthea Casey. Her legacy continues through her devoted family, including her son-in-law, Joseph A. Jakubowski; her cherished grandchildren, Sheri and Fidele P. Fanelli, Joseph M. and Katie Jakubowski; Dr. Kristy and Dr. Greg McBride; Tara Skidd, Dr. Justin and Lauren Casey; and Scot Zahas; and precious great-grandchildren, Zoe, and Kenzie Jakubowski; Brantley, and Bode McBride; Michael, and Thomas Skidd, and Alessandra, and Adriana Casey – all of whom were blessed by her warmth, wisdom, and enduring love. Mitzi now joins her siblings and their spouses who preceded her, Yolanda and Fred Sisti, Theresa and William Rizzo, Roseann and Dean Perta, Lucy and Tony Marino, and Frank and Florence DePastene. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, with the special mention of Alan Perta, who was an honorary son to her; great-nieces and great-nephews. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mafalda’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. The family welcomes flowers as a loving tribute, a reflection of the beauty and warmth Mitzi brought to all who knew her. In honor of her generous spirit, memorial contributions may also be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. Though Mitzi has left this world, her love remains – timeless, unwavering, and woven into the fabric of her family forever.

Mrs. Mafalda M. "Mitzi" (DePastina) DePerno

December 24, 1924 - April 12, 2026