Joanne (Testa) Felitto

Joanne “Tiny” (Testa) Felitto, 83, passed away peacefully, with her loving family by her side, Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Wynn Hospital, after a brief illness.

Joanne was born in Utica, January 30, 1943, to the late John and Mary (Nicotera) Testa, along with her twin sister, Antoinette “Toby” Testa. She was educated in local schools and graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1961.

On May 23, 1964, Joanne was joined in marriage to Michael A. Felitto, Jr. The couple shared a very loving marriage of twenty-four years until her beloved Mike passed away at an early age on August 18, 1988. After his passing, Joanne relied on her strength and family to continue to raise their son. She was very dedicated to her seven adored grandchildren and was present for all of their special events. As the matriarch of the family, Joanne found joy in sharing and celebrating her Italian heritage and traditions with her loved ones, especially on Christmas Eve.

Joanne was a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church and belonged to the St. Anne Society and the Mt. Carmel Society. She was active in many church activities including the church festival and helping with weekly collections. Joanne was dedicated to raising her children and made many friends working at local businesses until her retirement. Even in her retirement, she continued giving back to her community. She was a 15 year volunteer at the Stanley Theater, and worked at the election polls. Always an avid reader, Joanne was dedicated to the New Hartford Public Library.

A very active and outgoing person, Joanne enjoyed spending time with her friends at the Whitesboro and New York Mills Senior Centers. She also loved her casino bus trips and horse racing at Vernon Downs. Her Saturday nights were spent playing cards with her cousins, Joanie and David Deep. She had a longtime friendship that spanned over 70 years with Alfonse “Fonzie” Nitti, that later encompassed his family. She enjoyed her winters in Tarpon Springs, Florida for many years.

Joanne was a loving person who was always fun to be around as she possessed a great sense of humor that we will deeply miss.

She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Dawn and Randolph Butler, Gina and Ronald Cardillo, Jr, and her son, Michael A. Felitto, III; adored grandchildren, Sophia Butler, Randolph Butler, Jr, and Nicholas Butler, Julia Cardillo and her husband, Duncan Spaulding, Ronald Cardillo, III and his partner, Tiana Cota, Jonmichael Cardillo, and Gabriel Cardillo; her great-grandson, Ronald Cardillo, IV; niece, Deborah Montero; nephew, Jeffrey Montero; and also many beloved cousins and dear friends especially, Haseda Babic, who was a big part of Joanne’s family. Joanne shared a longtime relationship with Joseph Massoud of Florida.

She was predeceased by her twin sister, Antoinette “Toby” Testa; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara and Luis Montero.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Calling hours are Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., corner of Mohawk St., Utica.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the New Hartford Public Library in Joanne’s memory. Donations may be made at the funeral home.

Arrangements are with The Matt Funeral Home, Utica.

Online memorials at MattFuneralHome.com.

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