Mrs. Sarah R. (Sardina) Reale

Mrs. Sarah R. (Sardina) Reale, age 92, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on April 23, 1922, Sarah was the daughter of the late Giaccino and Francesca (DiChiara) Sardina. She was raised and educated locally. On September 6, 1947 she married Michael L. Reale with whom she shared 64 years. As a couple, they were supportive of each other and devoted to family life. Her beloved Mike passed away on June 1, 2011. As the matriarch of her family, Sarah’s whole life was dedicated to the happiness and well-being of them. Her love for her children and grandchildren knew no bounds, and family was always the most important part of her life. She loved summer especially camping trips to the Thousand Islands and Oneida Lake. She enjoyed cooking for her loved ones and spending countless hours shopping. Sarah was strong-willed and devoted to her faith as a Catholic and her fidelity to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. She was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish and a member of the St. Ann’s Society. Sarah is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Brendan Dunn of Utica; and her sons and daughters-in-law, John M., Sr. and Theresa G. Reale of New Hartford, Jack R. Reale of Canandaigua, and Francis J. Reale and his wife Susan Rosato-Reale of Utica. She also held in her heart the memory of her daughter-in-law, Cynthia A. Reale, who preceded her in death. She is cherished by her grandchildren, John M., Jr. and Jean Reale, Gina and Stephen Surace, Paul and Michele Reale, Erin Reale, Sara Reale; Jack and Kimberly Reale, Jeffrey and Caroline Reale, Jillian and Andrew Allen, Joel and Karla Reale; Chris and Shannon Rosato, Kate and Mat Perry, and Jonathon and Celeste Dunn; and her great-grandchildren, Emily and Rachel Surace; Maggie, Jack, and Sarah Reale, Matthew, and Christopher Reale, Teddy Reale, and Garynne Rosato. Her extended family includes her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Catherine Giannico, Antoinette Sullivan, Nicholas and Ruth Reale, and Peggy Reale. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul J., Sr. and Carmela Sardina, Samuel V. and Millie Sardina, and Rollie and Rosalie Sardina; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mamie and Jim Giambrone, and Josephine and Micky Perritano; and her in-laws, Ignazio Reale, Ercelia and Richard Gardinier, Angie and Paul Marfone, Sam Giannico, William Sullivan and Isabelle Torraco. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff of the Elm wing of the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. for the compassion and kindness conveyed to Sarah during her stay; and Sarah’s niece, Paula Hardy, for all the visits, care, and attention shown to her aunt. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish Memorial Fund in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Sarah’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will follow graveside in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Mrs. Sarah R. (Sardina) Reale

April 23, 1922 - November 2, 2014