11/25/2025
Florence R. Cardarelli
Florence R. “Curly” Cardarelli, age 97, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, at Foltsbrook in Herkimer, with her devoted daughters at her bedside.
Born on August 10, 1928, Florence was the last surviving child of the late Joseph and Josephine (Guarniere) DiGristina—an honor she carried with strength and a deep love for the family she came from.
A proud graduate of Frankfort High School, Florence built her life in the community she grew up in. On June 4, 1955, she married her beloved Carmen G. Cardarelli at St. Mary’s Church in Frankfort. Their marriage was a true partnership and friendship. When Carmen passed on February 10, 2020, a piece of Curly’s heart went with him, and she carried his memory with her every day thereafter.
Florence worked for many years at DND Teletronics, later BFI Communications, retiring as a manufacturing manager. She was admired for her work ethic, her quick wit, and the way she made coworkers feel like family.
Curly was forever young at heart. She never let age define her—not for a moment. She was a fun mom, a “one of the girls” kind of woman, modern and progressive in her thinking, always ready for a good time. She loved nothing more than being surrounded by her family.
Even in her 90s, Curly would get down on the floor to play with her great-grandchildren, laughing as if she were their age. Shopping trips, spontaneous outings, and simple afternoons with her husband and daughters were some of her greatest joys.
Curly lived her 97 years with spirit, style, humor, and love. She was the heartbeat of her family—steady, joyful, and always ready to make a memory. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the warmth she brought to this world lives on in every life she touched.
She is survived by her daughters, Lydia and Andy Zaffarano of Frankfort, and Elaine Cardarelli of Utica; her granddaughters, Andrea Cordero of Whitesboro and Lindsey and Chris DeMarchis of Williamsville; and her great-grandchildren, Carmen Cordero, Xavier Cordero, and London DeMarchis. She also leaves behind her in-laws, Mary DiChristina, Malio and Dorothy Cardarelli, and David and Linda Cardarelli; as well a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cherished friends, Chris and Bill Schwerdt and Annette Wilcox.
She was predeceased by all six of her siblings—Neva and Nebo Volo, Joanne and Frank DiSpirito, Rosie and Charles Bellino, Rosario “Charles” and Josie DiGristina, Salvatore DiChristina, and Joseph and Marie DiGristina—and by her son-in-law, Donald Wagner.
Curly’s family wishes to thank a special group of people who cared for her during her last years with compassion and grace: the 3rd floor team at Foltsbrook, with special mention of Ruby, Annette, Jamie, Angela, Melisssa and Alana. They are also appreciative to Dr. Ashock Patel for his care and guidance through the years. Lastly, to Florence’s friend and caregiver, Tammy Quackenbush, who surrounded her with love and companionship when she resided at Claxton Manor. You are all very remarkable people for the ways you give back and Curly’s family is forever grateful.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend visitation for Curly on Tuesday morning, December 9, 2025, from 9:00AM – 10:00AM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000.
Her funeral service will commence on Tuesday, immediately upon the conclusion of visitation, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be offered at 10:30AM at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church by Rev. Paul Catena, Pastor. Final interment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved, Carmen.
For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to Hospice & Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 OR to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
All of Curly’s final wishes were pre-arranged and entrusted to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate funeral directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.
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