Maria A. "Mary" (Del Mastro) Gigliotti

Mrs. Maria A. “Mary” (Del Mastro) Gigliotti, age 88, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of her family. Born in Utica on November 30, 1924, Mary was the daughter of the late Vincenzo and Maria (DeSoto) Del Mastro. Raised and educated locally, she attended T.R. Proctor High School. On May 3, 1947 Mary wed Joseph R. Gigliotti with whom she shared 61 years prior to his passing on July 6, 2008. They were blessed with four devoted children and a love that endured all the days of their lives. Mary was a force of nature. Those who knew her will always remember her delicious meals and the enthusiasm and joy she took in cooking for everyone who showed up at her door. Coming to her house for holidays was always such fun - chaos, laughter and warmth, and of course her legendary sponge cake and Italian Christmas cookies. Family unity remained the focus of Mary’s life and she happily greeted all to her house and her table. Her message for all to “mangia” and later join in a high-spirited game of pitch was hard for her loved ones to resist. Families flourished, and with the passage of time, Mary built up a special closeness with her grandchildren who realized that their fondest memories of growing up were mingled and intertwined with her life. She was affectionately known as “Nonni” to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all their friends. She enjoyed her annual tradition of braiding her homegrown bounty of garlic to savor the year through. Mary was a collector of all things “Pinocchio” and loved the family trips to Disney World. She had a zest for life and fought the good fight with faith and love, until the end. Her family shared a special closeness and will miss her strength, courage and compassion. She brought real joy and affection into the world and is remembered fondly by so many people. Mary is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Mary Theresa Wood, Michele and Rick Mider, all of Syracuse; her sons, Joseph Gigliotti III, and Robert Gigliotti and Carol Baker, all of Utica; her grandchildren, Cara and Greg Greer, Kristyn and Tony Masone, Joseph A. Gigliotti, Nicole and Bryan Gould, Christine Whelchel, Robert Gigliotti, Darlene and Justin Pettersen, and Joseph D. Cannerelli; her great-grandchildren, Alana, and Gabriella Greer, Martianne Masone, Anthony Rieley Masone, Alyssa, and Jordan Gould, Kevin Watson, Jamie, and Dylan Whelchel, Julianna, and Joshua Pettersen, Milani Cannerelli, and the anticipated arrival of another great-grandchild. In addition, she leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Lawrence and Mary Del Mastro, and James and Beverly Del Mastro; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mafalda and Joseph Mitura, Angela and John Cholnik, and her infant sister, Libera; her daughter-in-law, Barbara J. Gigliotti; and her son-in-law, James Wood. The family is grateful to Dr. Steven Lagrant, and the nurses and staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially the 5th Floor staff, for all their care and compassion. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations made be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mary’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Committal services will be held graveside at Calvary Cemetery with interment to follow.

Maria A. "Mary" (Del Mastro) Gigliotti

November 30, 1924 - August 10, 2013