Maria J. (Zegarelli) Rolchigo

Mrs. Maria J. (Zegarelli) Rolchigo, age 37, of North Utica, got her wings on Monday, June 4, 2007 as she passed away at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on September 23, 1969, Maria was the daughter of Michael “Skins” and Barbara (Retschle) Zegarelli. Raised and educated in Utica, she was a graduate of J. F. Kennedy High School in the Class of 1987. She was also an alumna of the Utica School of Commerce. On October 4, 1997 she was joined in marriage with Jon C. “Chico” Rolchigo, Sr. The couple loved each other dearly, shared common bonds, and knew the blessing of their adorable son, Jon, Jr. Maria’s career calling as a surgical secretary at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center covered more than 17 years. Congenial, outgoing, and friendly, she was a dedicated, responsible employee who was very much admired by her co-workers. Her smile and warm personality were indicative of the fun-loving person that she was. A talented and festive cook, she hosted many 4th of July parties, all in her own special ways. She also found pleasure in her “Tuesday night” ceramics class which she shared with her “sister Lynn and the Girls”. For relaxation, the serenity of the Adirondacks was special to her; it was a place of peace and quiet, where she could feed the deer, and enjoy shopping in Old Forge. But above all, Maria embraced motherhood and loved her “little boy”. She left a mark on his soul, and she will always be present in his life. She was a communicant of St. Mark’s Church. Maria is survived by her husband Jon “Chico”; her beloved son, Jon C. Rolchigo, Jr., 6 years old; and her parents, Mike and Barbara Zegarelli of N. Utica. Also surviving is her loving and special sister, Lynn and her husband Michael Calcagnino of Deerfield; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Mark and Danna Zegarelli, and David and Jo-Lynn Zegarelli, all of N. Utica. Always in her heart was the memory of her brother, Michael Zegarelli, who passed away in 1985. Her family includes her nieces and nephews, Nicole and Samantha; Jessica and Gabriella; Michael, Jr.; Teressa, MiaRose, and Sophia; her aunts, uncles, and cousins, and godparents; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Benny J. and Roseann Rolchigo of N. Utica; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Tami and Michael Ferraro. She was always respectful of the memory of her husband Jon’s brother, Paul Rolchigo, who passed away in 1995. She also leaves her longtime and blessed friends, Robin, and Jennifer, as well as her dear friends at work, and couples that she and Jon socialized with. The family wishes to thank the staff of the ICU, and the 2nd floor at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, many of whom had been co-workers of Maria; and the Utica EMT’s for their timely response and valiant efforts. The family is grateful to all those family members and friends who gathered in compassionate support for the past two weeks; Father Lucian for his spiritual support; and Sister Maureen Denn and Sister Genevieve for their visits and prayers. Visitation will be held Thursday (today) from 4:00 – 8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Maria’s honor to the family to establish an educational fund for her son Jon; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Maria’s funeral service will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mark’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Maria J. (Zegarelli) Rolchigo

September 23, 1969 - June 4, 2007