Melvina Jean (D'Acunto) Rabbia

Melvina (D'Acunto) Rabbia was surrounded by loving family when she was called home to be with the Lord on January 9, 2011. She was born in Utica, NY, on December 29, 1931. She married Joseph Rabbia and they enjoyed 61 years of love and devotion to each other and their family. They resided in Utica most of their lives until 2003 when they joined their children and grandchildren in Liverpool, NY. Melvina was educated in Utica schools and received a license in cosmetology at the Utica School of Beauty which launched a successful business career for several years as owner and operator of Mel's Beauty Salon. However, she was best known for her LOVE of family, friends and her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. She loved serving her family and spent countless hours serving her Lord through counseling, bible studies and various ministries at her church. She gave 1000 percent as wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother as they meant the world to her. She loved her siblings dearly and all of her nieces and nephews were all so special to her. Everyone she met fell in love with her as she always exuded love, care, kindness and warmth. She will be forever loved and missed by all. She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph; her son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Andrea Rabbia; and her daughter and son-in-law, Theresa & Joseph Peplinski. She leaves behind 9 beloved grandchildren: Thomas Rabbia, Diana (Rabbia) & Harley Hinton, Matthew Rabbia, Sara (Rabbia) & Will Johnson, Michael Rabbia, Nicole Peplinski, Celeste Peplinski, Joseph Peplinski and Michael (& Rebecca) Peplinski; and her step-grandson, Zachary Fitzgerald. Also surviving are her precious great grandchildren: Kailee, Krista & Olivia Rabbia, Norah & Harley Hinton, Jr. and Michael & Alaina Peplinski and the most recent addition, Francesca Peplinski, born on her great grandmother's birthday, December 29, 2010 which brought great joy to her. Survivors also include her sister Frances (D'Acunto) Dixon and her brother Benedict D'Acunto, both of Utica; and many precious nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Ralph, Anthony, Rachel and Ernest D'Acunto. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. Melvina's funeral will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and 11:00 at Redeemer Church located on Herkimer Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideon International Bible Society to purchase bibles to spread the Word of God, which was the desire of her heart.

Melvina Jean (D'Acunto) Rabbia

December 29, 1931 - January 9, 2011