Nancy Hrybiniak

With heavy hearts, and profound sadness, we wish to share the loss of the matriarch of our family, Nancy (Zegarelli) Hrybiniak, 99, who passed away with loved ones by her side, at the Abraham House in Rome, on December 21st, 2024.

Born in Utica, May, 9, 1925, Nancy was a daughter of the late Giuseppe and Theresa (Costelli) Zegarelli. She was raised and educated locally, a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School and later went on to attend the Utica School of Commerce. In August of 1946, Nancy was joined in marriage to Paul Gigliotti, with whom she shared her two children and almost nine years of loving marriage until Paul’s unfortunate passing in 1955. She later went on to marry Joseph Hrybiniak, a union of 16 loving years until Joe passed away in 1985.

For many years, Nancy was the head of the family and worked very hard at that role. She worked as a waitress for years in her husband Joe’s restaurant “Graffenburg Inn” and later, went on to work at General Electric, as a secretary. Nancy’s family affectionately refer to her as the best cook ever and they will miss when she cooks her gagootz, fried zucchini, clam chowder, beef stroganov, and her famous thanksgiving stuffing. She loved to cook for her family, spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was always ready for a piece of pizza. An avid traveler, she enjoyed her trips overseas especially to Italy, Germany, and Holland, as well as, the local bus trips she would take with her friends.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Anthony Peppenelli Jr.; grandchildren, Gina and Steven Valasek, and Anthony Peppenelli III; great-grandchildren, Nicholas Carcone and Madeline Comenale, and Michael Peppenelli; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Nancy was predeceased by her son, David Gigliotti; brothers, Benjamin, Michael, Louis, and Jerry Zegarelli; and sisters, Mary Valenzano, Muffy Scalzo, and Josephine Hall.

There will be no public visitation for Nancy as the family has honored her privately at this time. She will be laid to rest with her husband in Calvary Cemetery at the family’s convenience.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Sue Giamba for the love and care shown to her during these finals years. Also a special thank you to the Abraham House for their care and compassion during her brief stay.

Donations may be made in Nancy’s memory to The Abraham House. A donation can be made online at https://www.theabrahamhouse.org/ways-to-support/donate/

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