Mrs. Theresa (DiAndrea) Martelli

Mrs. Theresa (DiAndrea) Martelli, age 98, a resident of the Masonic Care Community of NY, passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family at her side. Born in Utica on February 5, 1918, Theresa was the daughter of the late Joseph and Angeline (D’Ambrose) DiAndrea. She was raised and educated locally and furthered her education at the Utica School of Beauty Culture where she received her credentials as a Licensed Cosmetologist. On May 12, 1934 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church she married Raymond F. Martelli with whom she shared a union blessed with love and commitment for over 60 years. Theresa told the story of their life in her words: “I married Raymond at an early age, and we grew together but in different stages. There were ups and downs that we battled and won. We were blessed with three precious daughters from our love, and blessed again with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. With God’s graces, our life was complete”. Raymond passed away on January 8, 1995. A cosmetologist by trade, Theresa owned and operated Theresa’s Beauty Salon located on Hilton Avenue for many years. Theresa was an extraordinary woman in all aspects, especially as a loving mother whose meaning in life came from meeting the needs and concerns of her family. She was an excellent cook and baker, and as matriarch, she was also a mediator and peacemaker for her loved ones. For decades, she was an avid golfer at the Valley View Golf Club, Westmoreland Golf Club, Twin Ponds Golf & Country Club, and Rocky Point Golf Course in Tampa, Florida. She was a parishioner of St. Agnes Church where she served as president of the Altar Rosary Society and was secretary of the council. She was also a communicant and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. When she resided in Florida, she practiced her Catholic faith at the Church of the Incarnation in Tampa serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Church Commissioner, and as a member of the Incarnation Council of Catholic Women (ICCW). She received the “Handmaid of the Lord” award, taught (CCD) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine classes, and was a member of the Christ Child Society serving as director for two years. Theresa is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia “Pat” and Joseph Caramato of Tampa FL. She held close to her heart the memories of her daughters, Diane M. “Dixie” Grimaldi, who passed away on August 23, 2007, and Joan S. Critelli who passed on July 13, 2006. She also leaves her son-in-law, Albert “Al” Grimaldi of Utica; her grandchildren, Aldo “Al” and Carolyn Grimaldi, Diane “Dee” Grimaldi, Lori and Joseph Leone; Ernest Critelli, Russell and Lisa Critelli, Theresa “Teri” and Keith Martin, and Anthony “Tony” J. and Jennifer Caramato; many great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren. Her extended family includes many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Louis J. and Margaret DiAndrea, and Anthony and Evelyn DiAndrea; and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Henrietta “Laura” and Frank Porter, and Cora and Dominick Coluccio. The family will honor Theresa’s life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday morning 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. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. By family request, please omit flowers. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Theresa (DiAndrea) Martelli

February 5, 1918 - May 18, 2016