Mary (Brescia) Riccardi

Mrs. Mary (Brescia) Riccardi, age 93, of Utica, passed away on Friday, February 22, 2008 at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center. Her family was by her side at the time of her passing. Born in Utica on August 13, 1914, Mary was the daughter of the late Agazio “Michael” and Gaetana “Carrie” (Bellezza) Brescia. She was raised and educated locally. On July 16, 1966 she married Joseph A. Riccardi with whom she shared 25 years until his passing on June 23, 1992. The couple shared many happy occasions and a regard for each other and their home. During her working life, Mary was employed at the Utica Knitting Mill for many years until its closing. She subsequently pursued a career as a hairdresser and in that vocation she owned and operated the Maresa Beauty Shop on Blandina St. until her retirement in 1967. As the family matriarch and the eldest of her siblings, Mary cherished her family and treated her nieces and nephews as though they were her own children. She was a gifted seamstress and needle worker and bestowed her crocheted gifts to her loved ones. An accomplished baker, she often shared her famous apple pies with generosity. Blessed with many friends throughout the years, she had a positive approach to life and a complimentary manner. Although not a parent, she was a maternal role model to her siblings. Mary ‘exemplified goodness’ and was a devout Catholic with a heart of gold. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church, a member of the Christian Women’s Society of St. Anthony, and a former member of the St. Mary Society. Mary is survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose B. Comito, Teresa Brown, and Carmella and Dominick Rose, all of Utica, and Patricia and Dr. Ramon Salas of Baltimore, MD; her brothers and sister-in-law, Frank Brescia, and Nicholas and Genevieve Brescia, all of Utica; and her step-son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Olympia Riccardi of Ballston Lake, NY. Survivors also include her many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, godchildren, and in-laws, Mary Brescia, Betty Brescia, Jeanette Brescia, and Phyllis Riccardi. She was predeceased by her brothers, Anthony Brescia, Joseph Brescia, and Fred Brescia; her sisters-in-law, Josephine Brescia, and Rose Corelli; her uncles, Frank and Mary Cosentine, Fred and Kate Sanzo, Frank and Marion Brescia, Sam and Theresa Massaro; and her in-laws, Frank K. Riccardi, James and Lottie Riccardi, Daniel Riccardi, and Carmen Riccardi, Adelbert “Browning” Brown, and Frank J. Comito. The family wishes to thank the dedicated nurses and staff members, too numerous to mention by name, on all shifts at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center, for the outstanding special care and attention shown to Mary and her family. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Mary’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mary (Brescia) Riccardi

August 13, 1914 - February 22, 2008