Mary Jean (Robertaccio) Humphrey

UTICA – Mary Jean (Robertaccio) Humphrey, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, after a long illness. Born in Utica on January 20, 1948, Mary Jean was the daughter of the late Rocco and Josephine (Casselli) Robertaccio. Raised in the area, she was a proud graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1966. She went on to further her education at St Elizabeth School of Nursing, where she became a radiologist and x-ray technician. In 1968, John Humphrey was in a car accident and went to St. Elizabeth’s for treatment. There he met Mary Jean, who cared for him. The two were wed on June 28, 1969. Their Catholic faith and values were cornerstones to the blessings of their nearly 56-year union, and their children. Mary Jean devoted her life to raising her children but also found work once they grew older as a teacher’s aide. Later she accepted a position as a financial aid office counselor at Utica University, formerly Utica College, from which she retired. Possessing a natural maternal instinct, Mary Jean was loving and caring, encouraging her children and instilling in them resilience and strength. She adored her family, and her grandchildren had a special place in her heart. “Nonnie” was a title she held with pride. Everything she did, she did for her family. Her gentle nature extended to animals, as she had a great affection for them, especially her favorite, Mia. Mary Jean enjoyed crafting, and even had a room dedicated to it! Blue was her favorite color, which she incorporated into her projects, including her crochet patterns. An avid reader, Mary Jean enjoyed a good book! Music was also important to her and she would play it throughout her whole house. She especially enjoyed Connie Francis, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. Devout Catholics, Mary Jean and John were parishioners of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Later in life, they became Eucharistic Ministers together. Mary Jean is survived by her beloved husband, John; children and their spouses, Deborah “Debbie” and Maurice Isaac, and Shaun and Kim Humphrey; and grandchildren, Nicholas M. Humphrey-Isaac, Nikoletta Humphrey, and Caselli Humphrey. She fondly remembered her brother, John E. Ranieri, as well as her sister and brother-in-law, Carmella “Karmy” and Carlo Fanelli, Sr., all of whom preceded her. She further leaves to cherish her memory several nieces and nephews, including Carlo C. Jr. and Hui Pun Fanelli, and their families, and the Palanker families; cousins, with special mention of the Robertaccio family, including Peter, Scott, and Cheri Sait; and in-laws, Sarah and Meir Palanker; and many cherished friends, especially acknowledging RoRo DeSantis, Ann Roefaro, and Angela Fanelli. She was additionally predeceased by her cousin, Joanne Sait; and “Auntie” Margaret and Charles Casselli, with whom Mary Jean had shared a special bond. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mary Jean’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleecker St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mary Jean (Robertaccio) Humphrey

January 20, 1948 - February 26, 2025