Mary (Florentino) Brescia

Mrs. Mary (Florentino) Brescia, age 88, a native Utican and also of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 5, 2008 at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center where she was currently residing. Born in Utica on February 2, 1920, Mary was the daughter of the late Andrew and Margaret (Laird) Florentino. She was raised in Utica and attended local schools. On September 20, 1937 she married Anthony Brescia who passed away on April 28, 1983; they were companions of the heart during their 45-year marriage. Mary’s main focus in life was her home and family. She was an outstanding cook famous for preparing many delicious family favorites. In earlier years, the ritual of Sunday dinner was so meaningful to Mary as a time when her loved ones could be together. Holiday gatherings were also important and celebratory in their family tradition. Mary enjoyed traveling with her husband, and sharing valuable time together on their memorable journeys. She was a parishioner of St. Agnes Church. Always close to her heart were the memories of her son, Ronald Brescia, and her daughter, Rita McGuinness, who preceded her in death. Her survivors include her son-in-law, Francis McGuinness of Charlotte, NC; her grandchildren, Michael McGuinness, Stephen McGuinness; Lori Knope, Ronald Brescia, and Dr. Gerald Brescia, as well as their mother, Grace McNasser of New Hartford; and her 4 great-grandchildren. In addition, she leaves her sisters and brother-in-law, Elizabeth Fierro, and Joan and Joseph Zegarelli, all of FL; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Andrew and Elvira Florentino of Utica, and Alfred and Paula J. Florentino of New Hartford; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Frank Brescia, Rose Comito, Nicholas and Genevieve Brescia, Teresa Brown, Carmella and Dominick Rose, Patricia and Dr. Ramon Salas, and Jeanette Brescia. She was predeceased by her brother and sisters-in-law, Paul & Yvonne Florentino, as well as his second wife, Gail Florentino; and her in-laws, Mary and Joseph Riccardi, Fred A. Brescia, Joseph and Betty Brescia, Frank Comito, Adelbert Brown, and Josephine Brescia. In keeping with Mary’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 at St. Agnes Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave.

Mary (Florentino) Brescia

February 2, 1920 - July 5, 2008