Vita N. (Ciaccia) Nicotera

Mrs. Vita N. (Ciaccia) Nicotera, age 66, of Utica, passed away on Friday, August 25, 2006, in the comfort of her home with her loved ones by her side. Born in Utica on July 20, 1940, Vita was the daughter of the late Oronzo “Lawrence” and Nancy (Leone) Ciaccia. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. Subsequently, she attended M.V.C.C., an endeavor of which she was particularly proud. On June 11, 1960, she was joined in marriage with Joseph L. Nicotera, with whom she shared 41 years until his passing on December 21, 2001. Always affectionate and loving to each other, Vita and Joe embraced a remarkable marriage and partnership, and their family finds comfort in their being reunited. Mrs. Nicotera began her working career as a sales staff and sewing instructor at the Singer Sewing Machine Co. She then accepted a position with the Utica City School System as a teacher’s aide at Brandegee School, a position she held precious in her memory. She was a loyal 30-year employee of the State of New York, retiring from the Business Office of the SUNY College of Technology. Vita had an appreciation of the fine and performing arts. Among others, she frequented events including the Broadway Theater League and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra Family Series. During her leisure time, she enjoyed traveling, reading, and playing games of chance at the casino. Vita was a caregiver by nature, dedicated to the needs of her family. Social and personable by nature, she opened her home to all; the “coffee was always on”. Among her many attributes were her optimism and positive outlook on life, and she was endowed with an inner beauty. Proud of her family and friends, she was honest, loyal, and knew that the foundation of her wonderful life was built around her husband, children, grandchildren, and her extended family. This was her greatest joy. Vita was blessed with a very strong spiritual faith, and through the years, made pilgrimages to numerous holy shrines. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church. She readily volunteered at the annual Feast of Saints Cosmo and Damiano, and also baked for the Friday fish fries. Mrs. Nicotera is survived by her daughters, Lauren M. Paye and John D. Fallon of Utica, and Gina M. and Michael P. Abel of Liverpool; her son, Joseph L. Nicotera, Jr. of Utica; her grandchildren, Keegan Paye, Alexandra “Lexi” Paye, Mallory Abel, Kevin Abel, Kati Abel, and Emma Abel; her adored adopted sons, who Vita and Joe truly loved, Cosmo Pellegrino and his wife, Donna of Deerfield, and Frank Marrotta and his wife, Philomena of Frankfort. Vita also leaves her loving canine companion, “Elliott”. Also surviving are her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and her in-laws, Louis Fraccola of AZ, Joanne and Stanley Ziemba of Syracuse, and Roseanne DeTraglia of Utica. Vita was favored with wonderful friends and co-workers from the SUNY College of Technology who were extremely loyal and supportive during her illness. They also met socially and were known as the “Denny’s Dollies”. Their love for Vita was expressed genuinely and sincerely. She was predeceased by a sister, Marie Fraccola, a brother and sister-in-law Martin and Agnes (Viti) Ciaccia, and a brother-in-law, Patrick DeTraglia. The family offers its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Alicia DeTraglia, her oncologist, who treated the Nicoteras as family and the Peds/Ortho Unit staff at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Health Care Center for the special and outstanding care they offered. Thanks also to the dedicated staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially Navaz, who embraced the needs of Vita and her family. Visitation will be held today (Sunday) from 2-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Vita's honor to the Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mrs. Nicotera’s funeral will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Vita N. (Ciaccia) Nicotera

July 20, 1940 - August 25, 2006