Marie R. (DeSarro) Azzarito

Mrs. Marie R. (DeSarro) Azzarito, age 89, of Clinton, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2006, at the Martin Luther Nursing Home, Inc. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Utica on January 7, 1917, Marie was the daughter of the late Angelo and Margaret (Casaletta) DeSarro. Raised and educated locally, she graduated from Utica Free Academy as a member of the class of 1934. On November 28, 1936, she married Louis A. "Louie" Azzarito with whom she shared a loving a devoted union of 57 years prior to his passing on July 18, 1994. For a period of 8 years Mrs. Azzarito was employed with Bradlee's Department Store at the Riverside Mall, beginning there as a cashier and later working as a supervisor; she retired from the company in 1988. In addition, for many years she assisted her husband in the operation of the family business, Azzarito's Arco, located at the intersection of South St. and Kossuth Ave. where she served as bookkeeper. Marie was a self-sufficient woman who prided herself on her independence, her open-mindedness, her sense of justice and fair play, and the validity of her values, traditions, and opinions. She centered her life upon her husband, her children, and more recently, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the family "historian" who kept track of all important events and achievements and who educated her loved ones in the knowledge of their ancestry, heritage, and history. She always greeted others with a smile and welcomed them with an innate courtesy. She was an excellent cook and baker and especially loved to share her cookies and baked goods with her family. She was an avid bowler and for many years bowled with the Pintopplers. A communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, she was also a member of the St. Anne's Society and the North Utica Community Center. Mrs. Azzarito is survived by a daughter, Antoinette M. Azzarito of Clinton; and four sons and daughters-in-law, Peter A. and Jennifer J. Azzarito of Deltona, FL, Louis A. Azzarito, Jr. of Woodgate, NY, Robert L. Azzarito of Deltona, FL, and Michael A. and Robin C. Azzarito of Westmoreland. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Regina M. Foster and Steve Curri of Utica, Maria A. Calenzo and John Garramone of Frankfort, Annette M. and Randy Agness of Rochester, Michele M. and Michael Gromo of CA, Ken Redmon of KY, John and Kim Azzarito, David and Carol Azzarito, all of FL, Paula A. Azzarito of KY, twins, Andrew and Alexandra Azzarito of FL, Steven M. Azzarito of the US Navy and stationed in VA, and Tiffany R. Azzarito of Westmoreland. She cherished the memory of a granddaughter who preceded her in death, Kimberly Redmon. Also surviving are ten great-grandchildren. In addition, she leaves a brother, Peter F. DeSarro of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and her in-laws, Bettina DiGiorgio, Eva Azzarito, and Rosemary Azzarito. She was predeceased by a sister, Theresa DeSarro; and a sister-in-law, Rose Marie DeSarro. The family extends its sincere gratitude to the staff of the Martin Luther Home for their care and concern, to the personnel of 3 East of the former Allen Calder Wing of St. Luke's Memorial Hospital Center for their care and professionalism, and to the staff of the Lutheran Home not only for their care of Marie but also for her family. Visitation will be held today (Sunday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Marie's honor to the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church Fund; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mrs. Azzarito's funeral will commence on Monday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Marie R. (DeSarro) Azzarito

January 7, 1917 - April 21, 2006