Mrs. Marie D. (Pagliaro) DiFondi

UTICA - Mrs. Marie D. (Pagliaro) DiFondi, a longtime Utica resident, age 90, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at the Aaron Manor Nursing Home in Fairport, NY. Born in Utica on March 5, 1930, Marie was the daughter of the late Joseph J. and Sylvia (DeFiore) Pagliaro. She was raised and educated in Utica. On August 28, 1948 she married Mario J. DiFondi with whom she shared 61 years prior to his passing on December 20, 2009. At one time, Marie held a position with Joseph & Feiss Company, then at General Electric Company, and lastly at ICL as a switchboard operator. A kind, warm, loving woman, Marie was very dedicated to the needs of her loved ones. She was a fabulous cook and loved gathering on Sundays and holidays with her children and their families. She loved to dance with her husband Mario at Massoud’s Lounge. In her earlier years, she enjoyed bowling, served as a Girl Scout Leader and was a member of the Mothers’ Club at Blessed Sacrament Church. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Marie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Grace M., Ph.D. and Nicholas Centola of Port St. Lucie, FL; her sons and daughters-in-law, Robert J. “Bob” and Deborah A. DiFondi of Farmington NY and Bonita Springs FL, and Steven M. and Deborah N. DiFondi of Apex NC; grandchildren, Michael and Erica Centola; Robert and Tara DiFondi, Ryan and Katie DiFondi, Matthew DiFondi; Melissa and Matthew Kretiv, and Jennifer DiFondi and fiancé Shaun Bays; and her great-grandchildren, Jack Centola, Alexander Centola; Taylor DiFondi, Logan DiFondi, Blake DiFondi; Carlina DiFondi, Talia DiFondi; Brayden DiFondi, Graysen DiFondi; and Trenton Kretiv. She also leaves her sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette and Mario Macera; brother and sister-in-law, Peter J. and Barbara Pagliaro; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Jerome Dunnigan, and Louise DiFondi. She was predeceased by her infant brother, Joseph J. Pagliaro, Jr.; and her in-laws, Anna and Edward Iannone, Nicholas DiFondi, and Sylvia Dunnigan. The family is grateful to the entire staff of Aaron Manor Nursing Home/5-600 Unit, especially acknowledging social worker, Sarah; nurses, Maureen, Kitty, and Hezekiah; and her Physician’s Assistant, Randi LaRussa, who cared for Marie with love and compassion. Special thanks to Lifetime Care Hospice who also cared for her during her last days. Due to current health concerns and in keeping with federal and state regulations, the family will honor Marie’s life privately. Please take a moment to connect with Marie’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary on our website. Our prayers continue to go out to all as a sign of our community support.

Mrs. Marie D. (Pagliaro) DiFondi

March 5, 1930 - May 14, 2020