Marion C. Speciale

Mrs. Marion C. (DeSantis) Speciale, 82, passed away with her loved ones by her side, on Holy Thursday, March 24, 2016. Marion was born in Utica on October 26, 1933, a daughter of the late Rocco and Frances (Yozzo) DeSantis. She attended Mt. Carmel School and T.R. Proctor High School. After graduating, she was on the class of 1951 reunion committee and attended numerous Proctor High School events, which held many cherished memories for her. On October 3, 1953, Marion was joined in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Dominick "Doc" A. Speciale. Doc and Marion have shared over sixty-two loving years of marriage and felt blessed to be able to celebrate their 60th anniversary and her 80th birthday in 2013. Mrs. Speciale was employed at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center for many years. When her grandson was born, she retired to devote herself to being a "Nonnie". Marion was blessed with the talents of crocheting, knitting, and crafting. She loved creating treasured items for everyone to enjoy, and found great pleasure in the act of giving. Her skills as an excellent cook and baker were shared with her children and grandchildren which helped to keep holiday traditions alive. Marion possessed a great sense of humor and could always bring laughter to a room. Although plagued with illness for many years, her deep faith in her God always pushed her through many health struggles. Because of her love, generosity, and compassion, she will live on in the hearts of all those lives she has touched. Marion is survived by her beloved husband, "Doc"; a son, Vincent Speciale of Schenectady; two daughters, Carmella Speciale and Gary DiCesare of Utica and Frances and Crispino Velardi of Marcy; five grandchildren, Roxanne Speciale, Crispino and Amanda Velardi, and Valerie Frances Velardi; great-grandchildren, Drew and Gracie; one brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Pat DeSantis; five sisters-in-law, Terry DeSantis, Carol DeSantis, Anna Burdick, Angeline DeMichele, and Pauline Cavo; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her two brothers, Anthony "Flash" and Paul "Flash" DeSantis; in-laws, Joseph and Antoinette Speciale, Jim Cavo, Norman DeMichele, and Roger Burdick; and her best friend, Nancy Cerminaro. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Private interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Monday 5 to7 p.m. at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., at Mohawk St., Utica. The family would like to offer their deepest thanks to Marion's longtime physicians, Dr. Christopher Clark, Dr. Emile Wassel, Dr. Katrina Kashtanova, and the staff of the Masonic Care Community, especially the Queens and Brooklyn units for the care and compassion shown to their mom during her stay there. In memory of Marion please consider donations to St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital. There is a prayer that says the only way any of us ever achieve immortality is by living on in the hearts of those who love us and the thoughts of those who remember us. Marion will forever be remembered. For directions to the funeral home, click the link above.

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