Mrs. Pauline R. "Pat" (Zinicola) Saponari

Mrs. Pauline R. “Pat” (Zinicola) Saponari, age 83, formerly of Utica and currently of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2013 at Kishwaukee Community Hospital with her family by her side. Born in Utica on May 16, 1930, Pauline was the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Rosalie (Borruso) Zinicola. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On January 15, 1955 she married John L. Saponari, Sr. with whom she shared 46 years prior to his passing on February 27, 2001. Pat worked at several area businesses during her lifetime, but it was her job at Cavallo’s Restaurant that served her best because it was where she met her husband. She also held positions at General Electric, Neisner’s Department Store, McCrory’s Store, and lastly at Pacemaker Millar Steel Company from which she retired. A loving matriarch, Pat thought of her family as the blessing of her life and the source of her happiness. She was especially eager to decorate her home, prepare traditional meals, and gather together for the holidays. Pat’s radiant personality and friendly nature warmed the hearts of those who knew her. During her spare time she volunteered her time at the ARC, was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing card games. She was a parishioner of St. Paul’s Church in Whitesboro. Pat is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, JoAnn and James Whitaker of Holland Patent; her son and daughter-in-law, John L., Jr. and Sharon Saponari of DeKalb, IL; her grandchildren, Danielle and Nicholas Hotz; and Samantha and Matthew Galliher; and her great-grandchildren, Gwenyth and Elaina Galliher, and Cameron Hotz. She also leaves behind her half-brother, Ronald Zinicola; her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, who were all special to her, and her in-laws, Mary Zinicola, and Helen Saponari. She was predeceased by her brothers and sister-in-law, Vincent Zinicola, and Patrick Zinicola; her half-brother Joseph Zinicola; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Frances and Joseph Voce, and Antoinette and Anthony Costello; and her in-laws, Bruno P. and Helen F. Saponari and Dominick "Dick" Saponari. Visitation will be held on Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Pauline’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence immediately upon the conclusion of visitation at 10:30 at the funeral home officiated by Rev. Felix Colosimo. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Pauline R. "Pat" (Zinicola) Saponari

May 16, 1930 - October 4, 2013