Grace DeCrescenzo

Mrs. Grace DeCrescenzo, 88, entered into her eternal home, to join her husband and loved ones, Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

Grace was born in Utica, August 12, 1933, a daughter of the late Salvatore and Grace (Fiore) Villelo. She graduated T.R. Proctor High School, in 1951, and St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, in 1954, as a Registered Nurse. Grace worked as an R.N. and Nurse Supervisor, at Faxton Hospital, for more than thirty years, while raising five children.

On August 31, 1957, Grace was joined in marriage to Thomas DeCrescenzo, at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, in Utica. Grace and Tom shared a union filled with great love and devotion to each other, and their family. for more than sixty-four years. Her beloved Tom passed away just five months ago on September 14, 2021.

Grace and Tom’s life revolved around their family. They were an incredible team. Grace was the rock and caregiver; always there for everyone. She had an unbreakable bond with her sisters, and loved her nieces and nephews, as if they were her own children. Her no-nonsense advice, tempered with Tom’s easy going nature, was invaluable. Grace was a strong natural leader, but never wanted the spotlight to be on her. She was revered and respected by all.

A woman of immense faith, Grace was a founding member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, in Whitesboro. In later years, she returned to her childhood parish of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish in Utica.

Since her childhood, Sunday was the day family gathered for a traditional Italian dinner. Grace continued this weekly tradition right up until her passing. She found joy in preparing the meal for everyone. Sharing that time with her family brought her much happiness. Grace instilled her unwavering faith in her children and taught them to love and respect everyone, and above all, support each other. She could bring a smile to anyone’s face, in any situation. Her wisdom, wit and contagious sense of humor will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Nana and enjoy your well-deserved reward.

Grace is survived by her beloved children, daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ann and Joseph Leonard, two sons, Richard DeCrescenzo and Michael DeCrescenzo, daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Jeff Batson and daughter-in-law, Jennifer DeCrescenzo; beloved grandchildren, Shana and Bob Dugan, Amber DeCrescenzo and Ryan May, Marc Anthony DeCrescenzo, Michael DeCrescenzo and Alana Batson; four great grandchildren, Cillian, Arielle, and Jeramiah Dugan and Arabella May; two sisters, Ann Trozzi and Marie Wojnas; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann DeCrescenzo, Agnes Decker, Dolores Vaccarelli and Yolanda DeCrescenzo; lifelong friend, Marguerite Cimino; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Tom; infant daughter, Donna DeCrescenzo; son, Tommy DeCrescenzo, who were always close to her heart; brothers-in-law, Frank DeCrescenzo, Art Trozzi, Frank Wojnas, Gary Decker, Joe Vaccarelli, and Burt Glionna; and adored nieces, Sandra Trozzi and Carolann Sebergandio.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, in Utica. Entombment will be in Calvary Mausoleum. There are no calling hours.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bhisham Garg, for his longtime care, as well as, Father James Cesta and Father Joseph Salerno, for their spiritual support.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org or St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish or the charity of your choice.

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