Mrs. Sarah C. (Ponticello) Cittadino

UTICA – Mrs. Sarah C. (Ponticello) Cittadino, age 87, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in the comfort and dignity of her home at Kingsway Village in Schenectady, NY. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by loving family members. Born in Utica on September 19, 1938, Sarah was the daughter of the late Ponfilo “Pomp” and Antoinette (Rabbia) Ponticello. She was a graduate of Utica Free Academy, Class of 1956. Upon graduating, she was awarded a scholarship to further her artistic talent, but unable to do so at the time. On May 21, 1960, she united in marriage with Joseph A. Cittadino. The couple shared a loving and devoted union of nearly 43 years prior to Joseph’s passing on February 5, 2003. Sarah and Joe anticipated each other’s every move, especially on the dance floor. They especially enjoyed spending time with the Cittadino clan, traveling together and spending time in Florida. Sarah was artistically gifted and enjoyed designing wedding dresses and other formal wear. She had a knack for creating new designs and while working at a local bridal shop, was often called upon to create entire wedding ensembles, crafting whatever the wedding party envisioned. Her creativity and talent resulted in unique designs for the shop’s customers. She was very proud of her own wedding gown, which she designed and was truly one of a kind. Sarah prioritized raising her children. She further expressed her artistic ability by helping create dance costumes for her youngest daughter’s competitions. When her oldest children were in college, with Joe’s encouragement, she furthered her studies at MVCC, earning an associate’s degree, and later attended SUNY and Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She was especially proud of her “Man-to-Lion” metamorphosis pen and ink drawing she created during that time. After graduating, she poured her energy and talent into owning and operating The Dancer’s Corner in New York Mills, which specialized in dance supplies and apparel. After its closing, she held a sales position at Doyle Knower, a fashion apparel store, where she remained until her retirement. Sarah had an outgoing personality and maintained long-term friendships. Her wonderful sense of humor and a dry wit could make people laugh unexpectedly. When she and Sam, her beloved Shih tzu, moved to Kingsway Village a little more than 4 years ago, they made many friends and were loved by fellow residents and staff. She met her close friend, Bob Barry, at Kingsway and they shared and created many happy memories together. Sarah was an animal lover, cherishing her time with her Shih Tzus, Mandy and Sam. They were her constant companions and travelled with her to Florida each year. While at Kingsway, Sarah looked forward to and appreciated her visits by her nephew, Todd Cittadino, who brought along his Boston Terrier, Ava, as well as pasta fagioli. Sarah continued to express her creative flair at Kingsway, participating in art and craft activities, and adding spark and sparkle to social gatherings. She displayed her “Man-to-Lion” at a Kingsway art competition and won first place. She was proud of her accomplishment and humbled by the attention she received from her Kingsway family. Sarah is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Andrea D. and Bryan J. Goldberger, Esq., and Nicole M. and Mark Leary. She cherished the memories of her son, Scott Michael Cittadino, and her son and daughter-in-law, Marc A. and Karen M. (Zumbo) Cittadino, all of whom preceded her. She is additionally survived by her grandchildren, Matthew and Jenna Stankus, Alexandra Stankus; Zachary Leary, Noah Leary; Marcus Cittadino (Barbara Jean Howard), Karyona Cittadino; Scott Cittadino, Jr., Jennifer and Rich Espey, and Julie Anne and Kevin Zeissler; and great-grandchildren, Vivienne, Maeve, Leo; Isabella “Bella”, Alonzo, Giavonno; Joshua, Izabella “Izzy”, and Benjamin. She always remembered her grandson, Joseph “Joey” Cittadino, who preceded her. She leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Anthony Durante; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, her Godson Joey Maltese; as well as her siblings of the heart, Andy Cittadino, Luana Davis, Anthony Allora, Jim Cittadino, and Michael and Joan Cittadino; and dear friends, Annette and Fran Paparella and Charlotte Rounseville (Florida). She was additionally predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, John A., Sr. and Lucy R. (DePalma) Cittadino; brothers and sisters-in-law, James Durante, Paul and Diane Durante, Joe and Gerry Durante, John Durante, and Concetta “Connie” Durante; as well as her siblings of the heart, Mary Lou and Jim Bice, Connie Cittadino, Tom Davis, Feenie Allora, Doris Cittadino and John Cittadino, Jr. The Cittadino family would like to thank Asha, Sarita, Annie, Chiney, Tara, Mala, and Shelly for the compassionate care they blessed Sarah with. Gratitude is also extended to Community Hospice of the Capital District for their care and support, and to the staff and residents of Kingsway Village for the love and compassion shown to Sarah and her family. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home., Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions in Sarah’s name may be made to Johnson Park Food Pantry online at www.johnsonparkcenter.org/make-a-donation or the Regional Food Bank of North Eastern New York online at www.regionalfoodbank.net; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Sarah’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Sarah C. (Ponticello) Cittadino

February 19, 1938 - February 5, 2026