Mary D. (Alberico) Priore

Mrs. Mary D. (Alberico) Priore, age 86, of Utica, was reunited with loved ones who have gone before her when she passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her devoted family by her side. Born in Utica on April 26, 1922, Mary was the daughter of the late Daniel and Palma (Dolcenome) Alberico. Raised and educated locally, she attended T. R. Proctor High School and at one time, worked at the Utica Knitting Company. On November 22, 1945 she was wed to Salvatore Priore. A nostalgic and humble memory during their courtship was to spend time admiring the beauty of the Utica Train Station, and during those simple, provincial days, it was quite a date. Mary and Salvatore were accepting of God’s blessings as husband and wife. As parents, their main focus was the well being of their children. Their loving union endured until his passing on May 21, 1991. Home and family were always the priorities in her life. As a mother, she taught her children to respect one another and value family life. Her kitchen, “the table”, and all that encompassed this setting were Mary’s domain and the place she always felt most comfortable whether lovingly preparing meals that were pleasing to all, (many of her recipes are still being passed on to succeeding generations), or the “heart-to-heart” talks she had with family or friends. Mary was a ‘people person’ and a generous soul, a ‘natural’ at supporting and sharing her unconditional love. She tended to the needs of her family in diverse ways: sewing clothing, especially the dresses for formal occasions, and hosting grand birthday parties. The door to her home was always open, and it was a warm place where many friends and loved ones cherish remembrances of celebrations. Her memory was impeccable, and she could remember family ties, relationships, and special occasions with such detail. Several of her pastimes included her weekly games of “scat” of which she was very competitive and played by all the rules, reading, ceramics, crocheting and sewing. She was always proud of the fact that she was the mother of nine children who she knew better than anyone and helped them see their strengths, enjoy their successes, understand their weaknesses and comfort and support them in their disappointments. As a grandmother, she was so touched that each of her grandchildren reached out to honor her on a daily basis during her later years by calling or visiting. Mary had a keen sense of humor and could joke with the best of them. She was willing to take a stand for things she believed in and her life was well lived. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church and a member of the St. Anne Society and a former member of the choir; it was here that she sustained her faith, and raised her family to know the Lord. Mary is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Margherita and John Collis of Whitesboro, RosaLinde Priore of Utica, and Leonarda Priore of New York City; her sons and daughters-in-law, Salvatore and Jacqueline Priore of Altamont, NY, Daniel Priore of Utica, Anthony and Christine Priore of Albany, and Joseph and Deborah Priore of Utica; and her daughter-in-law, Mary Priore of Utica. Always close to her heart was the memory of her children, Palma A. Kerber, who passed away on January 10, 2005; and her son, Nicholas S. Priore, Esq., who passed away on December 20, 2007. She also leaves her grandchildren and their families, Susan and Bill M. Connelly, Michelle and John Gaspa, John and April Collis; Michael G. Kerber; Salvatore Priore, Jr., Christopher Priore; Nicholas M. Priore, Andrew J. Priore, Alexandra “Ally” Priore; Joseph A. Priore, Daniel S. Priore, Francesca “Cesca” Priore, and Anthony “Tse Tse” Priore; and her great-grandchildren, Cassandra and Brooke Connelly; and John Anthony Gaspa . She anxiously anticipated the birth of her fourth great-grandchild. Survivors also include her sister, Ermelinda Lewis of Utica; her brother, Carlo A. Alberico of Utica; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, special godchild, John Valenti; and her sister-in-law, Theresa Alberico. Mary was blessed with the enduring friendship of Congetta DiPierro for 61 wonderful and loyal uninterrupted years to date. All of Mary’s children respected Congetta as a 2nd mother, and they loved her “Apizz”. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Dominick J. and Josephine J. Alberico, Joseph A. and Mary Alberico, and Nicholas Alberico; her sister and brother-in-law, Lucia and Leonard Guillaume, Sr.; and her in-laws, Alice Alberico, and Kenneth Lewis. The family extends much gratitude to Dr. James Cimo, Dr. Mark Blaker, and the staff of the Intensive Care Unit of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for the respectful comfort and care provided to Mary. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 2:00-6:00 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. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be offered. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband in Calvary Cemetery.

Mary D. (Alberico) Priore

April 26, 1922 - December 17, 2008