Lucille Talarico

On July 2, 2016, Lucille Talarico passed from this world to her heavenly grace. She was born in Chicago, IL on August 12, 1925, the daughter of Henry and Argentina (Markowic) Esser. As a young girl, she moved to Utica and graduated from St. Francis De Sales Schools. After graduation, Lucille worked for our local congressional office and was also selected as Miss Utica Club in the 1940's. Lucille was employed by the Boston Store as both their window designer as well as the editor of their newspaper "The Bostonian". She later worked at Western Union where she met and "enticed" her future husband, Fred Talarico. They were joined in marriage on December 3, 1951 and together raised three sons. There are no words that could adequately describe the gifts and blessings they provided us. Her primary life's focus was always her family and thanks to her we were taught to appreciate all that life offers. Mom instilled in us a confidence we were able to carry throughout our lives, and the importance of never needing to ask ourselves "what if" in carrying through our goals and dreams; that we could accomplish anything we would put our hearts into. She taught us a wonderful appreciation of both art and music. Mom loved playing the piano and thanks to her we were exposed to many great German drinking songs! Our mother was always concerned about our well-being; she was instrumental in forming an organization in the 1950's here in the Mohawk Valley, comprised of parents with children of special needs, long before any such organization existed. She also was a member of every PTA and Mother's Club of our schools as well as our Cub Scout Den Mother. Once we were older and more independent she went on to pursue her own further education and interests. She enrolled in classes at Munson Williams and had several of her works displayed at the annual sidewalk art show. Mom loved the museum and all that it offered and enjoyed at one time being a docent. She took classes in interior design and was employed as a designer at Fahy Kitchens. She worked also as a realtor for Faith Realty. In her later years our mom participated in the St. Elizabeth Guild and enjoyed many friends there. But to be honest, our mom also had a little of the devil in her as there were times we would catch her cheating at cards...although she would vehemently deny it with a guilty laugh. Lucille is survived by her three sons, Dr. Fred Talarico and his wife Rosemary, Joseph Talarico, and Dr. Henry Talarico; her grandchildren, Heather Talarico, Lauren Talarico Briffitt and her husband Charles, Dr. Michael Talarico and his wife Beth, Jaime Talarico, and Michael Maurizio. She is also survived by nephew, Hank Esser and his wife Patti, as well as many other nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Fred in 1997; her parents; her brother, Alfred and his wife Mary Esser; and her niece Barbara Esser. We would especially like to thank the wonderful people who assisted us and our mom during these final days. Special mention must be made of the Sitrin Rehab Center; St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially the staff of 2E, 3C and 3A; the Masonic Home; and all the wonderful caregivers who are justified in being proud of their hard work. We also want to thank our brother Joe. Our mom was his rock but Joe was her boulder! He was there always and assisted with her needs for the past several years. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, July 6th at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. There are no calling hours. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of mass. Private interment will be in New Forest Hill Cemetery. In Lucille's memory please consider contributions to either Munson Williams Proctor Institute Children's Art Education Program or The Abraham House of Utica. Donations may be made at the church or directly to these fine organizations.

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