Philomena "Mena" (Mendito) Buck

Mrs. Philomena "Mena" (Mendito) Buck, age 76, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on January 18, 1932, Philomena was the daughter of the late Gaetano and Concetta (Santomassino) Mendito. Raised and educated in Utica, she was a 1950 graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. On June 16, 1951she married Fred “Fritz” Buck with whom she shared 57 years. Mena and Fritz were true companions and best of friends; they had a wonderful life, and they loved and respected each other. Mena was employed by Abelove’s Linen Supply Company as a bookkeeper, a career that enabled her to make use of her mathematical talents and demonstrate her conscientious work ethic. But it was her family that made her complete. She loved them well, and that was certainly reciprocated by her children, grandchildren, and her 2 precious great-granddaughters who she treated as princesses. Mena’s greatest accomplishments were to keep peace among her family and to celebrate the holidays and special occasions in the lives of her loved ones. During her spare time she enjoyed games of chance and shopping, not only for herself, but for her entire family. She was a former member of the Sons of Italy Lodge #2054. She held a strong belief in her church, and the guidance she received strengthened her as a person. Mena is survived by her husband, Fritz; her children and their families, Rick C. and Jackie Buck, Andrea Buck and Mary Ostrosky, and Maria and Frank Swiderski, all of Utica; her grandchildren, Concetta and Nondie Sarus, Ricky Buck and Melanie Robilotta, and Justin Buck; Pernell Wadley and Crystal Noti; Frank and Danielle Swiderski, Victoria Swiderski and Frank Mallozzi; and her great-grandchildren, Abriana Wadley, and Alexis Sarus. Survivors also include her brother, Angelo A. Mendito of Utica; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She also leaves her family friends, Lola, and Barbara, whose support in caring for Mena and Fritz when they were in need was of such comfort to them. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Victoria and Anthony J. LaPorte; and her sister-in-law, Mary L. Mendito. The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Christopher Clarke whose friendship and professional guidance was of the utmost importance to the family, and they will always remember his compassionate concern. Visitation will be held Friday (today) from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Philomena’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will be held on Saturday morning at 9:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Philomena "Mena" (Mendito) Buck

January 18, 1932 - September 9, 2008