Rita (Porcelli) Toro

Mrs. Rita (Porcelli) Toro, age 84, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving daughter by her side. Born in Utica on January 6, 1923, Rita was the daughter of the late Gerardo and Vincenza (Leone) Porcelli. She was raised and educated locally. On February 22, 1941 she married Augustine “August” Toro who passed away on September 13, 1986. True partners in life, the inseparable couple shared a 45 year union of love. As a community minded woman, Rita enjoyed the rewards of her duties as a crossing guard, and later embraced the relationships made as a banquet waitress. She always put the needs of family, friends, and others before her own. Rita and August led the family by example of their values of life: selflessness, support, and encouragement. As an ultimate optimist, she lived life to the fullest and never as an ‘old lady’. At one time she and August retired to Florida, but relocated back to Utica to assist in the joy of caring for their grandchildren. During her leisure time, she enjoyed playing bingo, socializing at parades, attending church, and sharing her culinary delights of sauce and macaroni. She was talented at crocheting and was a gifted seamstress whose trademark was always to have a pin left. Rita is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia “Patty” and Robert “Bob” Scalise of Utica with whom she resided for 26 years; her sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Rosemary Toro of Liverpool, and Don and Marian Toro of NC; her cherished grandchildren, Nicole and John Perretta of Utica, Michael Scalise of Utica, Michelle and Gerry Clark, Amy Toro and fiancé Terrence Rollins, Robbie Toro, Karen and Michael Smith, Linne and Paul Hill, Stacey and Gene Hathaway, and Colleen Toro; and several great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-law, Angeline Peters of Utica. She was also blessed with many friends and acquaintances. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose and Pat Citro, Angeline and Fred Shaw; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Rita Porcelli, and Rocco and Jenny Porcelli; and her in-laws, Alligrino and Vincenza Toro, Joseph J. and Loretta Toro, Rose and Dominick A. Tripepi, and Fred Peters. The family extends gratitude to the 2nd floor staff at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their compassionate care and their dear friends Mario and Isabelle Massa for their loving friendship and support. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00 – 4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Rita’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish at Mt. Carmel Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Rita (Porcelli) Toro

January 6, 1923 - June 6, 2007