Mary (Arrigo) Gaeta

Mrs. Mary (Arrigo) Gaeta, age 94, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2008 in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on March 7, 1914, Mary was the daughter of the late Anthony and Anna (Longo) Arrigo. Raised and educated locally, she was a 1932 graduate of Utica Free Academy. On February 17, 1943 she was joined in the sacrament of marriage to Joseph N. Gaeta who passed away on December 4, 1978. The couple was blessed with a loving devotion to one another and shared 35 years in a mutually respectful relationship that revolved around their family. In addition to her responsibilities to her family and home, Mary worked at the UTK Distributing Co. for many years prior to her retirement. Blessed with a long life, she was a woman of great strength of character, accepting of life’s adversities and admired for her ability to endure. She possessed a nurturing nature that was seen in her ability to care for the needs of her family, beginning with her siblings and her own children, and ultimately in the special love and appreciation she held for her grandchildren. She gave her family great hope and determination, and will be remembered as a perceptive listener who wanted to know how situations were addressed by following through with concern. She looked forward to the holidays as a time to celebrate her Italian heritage and cultural traditions, and birthdays were also important and fun-loving for her. She had a passion for growing African violets which prospered under her ‘green thumb’ and during her leisure time, she found pleasure in playing cards with family and friends. Mary enjoyed the outdoors, especially the creatures of nature, and the beauty of God’s creations. She was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church and a loyal and faithful member of the Assumption Society at the parish where she served as treasurer for many years. Her religion sustained her existence to the very end of her life. Mary is survived by her children and their families, Regina (Diliberto) and David T. Lewis; her family credits Regina’s devotion to caring for her mom as the reason that enabled Mary to maintain an independent lifestyle and remain in her own home. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, Frank Gaeta, who passed away in 1985. She also leaves her children, Joseph F. Gaeta, Agnes and Vaughn Combs, and her son-in-law, Vito LoParco of Utica. She was grateful for the wonderful life which afforded her 21 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Theresa Arrigo, and Angela Arrigo, both of Utica; and her longtime friend, Mary DeFazio Sciortino who was so supportive and loving to Mary. She was predeceased by her daughters and son-in-law, Carmella and Louis Chirillo, and Rosalyn LoParco; and her siblings, James Arrigo, Mariano N. and Antoinette Arrigo, Frank C. Arrigo, and Evelyn F. Gaeta. The family extends their sincere thanks to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially Navaz, Irene, and Mary, as well as the volunteers, for their collective outstanding caregiving and compassion. Visitation will be held Friday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Mary’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., or the Abraham House; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mary’s funeral service will commence on Saturday at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mary (Arrigo) Gaeta

March 7, 1914 - June 19, 2008