Mrs. Theresa H. (Scalise) Arrigo

UTICA - Mrs. Theresa H. (Scalise) Arrigo, age 96, passed away on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at MVHS at St. Luke’s Healthcare with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on January 11, 1922, Theresa was the daughter of the late Santo and Rose (Fardello) Scalise. She received her elementary and secondary education at local schools. On April 22, 1946 she married Frank C. Arrigo with whom she shared 49 years prior to his passing on July 20, 1995. She loved her husband and the life they lived, and she missed him dearly. Like many born into the Greatest Generation, Theresa lived up to her responsibilities and upheld a rigorous work ethic, all with dignity and pride. She was employed by the Oneita Knitting Mills and later at Broadacres Nursing Home as a seamstress making drapery and mending bedding for the facility. As matriarch, she was devoted to her duties as a mother and was always available to offer support and guidance to her family. She was an independent thinker and a spirited soul. Theresa was the family seamstress, and she could hem anything in no time at all. She crocheted many beautiful afghans and all her generations of kids have one, and because she wanted to please them, she lovingly made each piece particularly and precisely for each child. During her spare time, she enjoyed reading romance novels, and if a book was gifted to her it was always appreciated. She was also a great shopper and liked getting out now and then. But she also loved the comfort of her home as she watched the Hallmark Channel and Turner Classic Movies. Theresa was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. She supported her parish, and in her younger years she enjoyed parish activities and religious celebrations including the Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian. In her golden years she viewed Mass on the Eternal World Television Network. Theresa is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Peter M. Mastrovito, Sr.; and her daughter-in-law, Karen Arrigo. She held close to her heart the memory of her son Frank A. Arrigo, Sr. who passed away on April 16, 2018. She also leaves her grandchildren, Frank A. Arrigo, Jr., Renee and Philip Johnson; Peter M. Jr. and Sarah Mastrovito, and Audrey and Michael Dorn; her great-grandchildren, Frank A. Arrigo III and Ashley, and Angelina Arrigo; Samantha, Mya, and Brooke Johnson; Peter M. III and Emily Mastrovito; Alexandra, and twins Michael and Matthew Dorn; and her great-great-grandchildren, Hayleigh, Celia, and Brantley, aka Little Frank. She will also be remembered by her many nieces, especially acknowledging and thanking Maryann Bascomb, and Anne Pomeroy for their heartfelt care and assistance; nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, brother-in-law Joseph Gaeta; and her friends, Mary, Helen, and Margaret, good neighbors and companions. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Caroline Scalise, Rose and Joseph Terminio, and Frances and Thomas E. Parrotta; and her in-laws, Mary and Joseph Gaeta, James and Angie Arrigo, and Evelyn Gaeta. The family extends their appreciation to the St. Luke’s ICU staff, especially Dr. Douglas Kannon, Dr. Scott Brehaut, and Dr. Maria Gesualdo for their outstanding medical care and providing Theresa with a comfortable quality of life; and the pastoral care of the parish of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. In keeping with her wishes, the family honored and commemorated Theresa’s life at the time of her passing. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Theresa’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Her immediate loved ones feel comforted in escorting her to her final resting place alongside her husband in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Mrs. Theresa H. (Scalise) Arrigo

January 11, 1922 - August 2, 2018