Mrs. Vita M.(Sportelli) Centola

Mrs. Vita M. (Sportelli) Centola, age 90, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, November 5, 2011 in the privacy of her home with the love and support of her family by her side. Vita was born in Utica on August 29, 1921, the daughter of the late Frank and Antonetta (DeNovellis) Sportelli. She was raised in Utica and attended T.R. Proctor High School. In 1945 she married Luke “Mac” Centola, with whom she shared over 50 years of marriage, prior to his passing on August 13, 1996. Together, Mac and Vita were selfless parents who nurtured their children with love. During Vita’s employment years, she worked alongside her parents in the family business, Sportelli’s Markets. A true hostess, she welcomed all to her home and to her table. She always kept an open mind and an open heart for those who needed her. Vita was proud of the values she instilled in her children and grandchildren. When they were young, she enjoyed attending their school functions and being a part of their lives. She was a great cook, always ready to accommodate her guests, and bring the family together with holiday gifts and good food. In her later years, she enjoyed spending time at camp on Oneida Lake with family and friends. A woman of class, she always took pride in her appearance and dressed with style. She was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Vita is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Anne Marie and Pomp DelMonte, Annette Centola-Gudlauski and her husband Dean, with whom she resided, all of Utica; her sons and daughter-in-law, Foster and Tina Centola of Springfield, IL, and Frank Centola of New Hartford; her grandchildren, Laurie and Frank Giglio, and Deana Verrenti, all of Utica, John DelMonte of Tampa, FL, and Nicholas Centola of Springfield, IL; and her great-grandchildren, Gianna Giglio, and Vincenzo Giglio. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Virginia Torraco, and Edythe Centola; Godchildren, Julia Gudlauski, and Ann Massaro; and her dear friend, Charlotte Nelson. She was predeceased by numerous in-laws. The family extends thanks to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., and their wonderful staff and nurses, especially Nadine Taylor, for the care shown to Vita. A special acknowledgement is given to Vita’s daughter, Annette, for her selflessness and diligence in the care and well-being of her mother throughout her later years. The family will honor and commemorate Vita’s life in a private gathering. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Vita’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:00 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 the Mass. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Vita M.(Sportelli) Centola

August 29, 1921 - November 5, 2011