Enea Family Funeral Home

01/02/2026

Timothy Lee Johnston, Sr.

ILION - Timothy Lee Johnston Sr., of Ilion, NY, passed away peacefully on December 30th, 2025. He was born on May 19th, 1952, in Phoenix, Arizona, the son of the late Carl and Katherine (Schuyler) Johnston of Ilion.

Tim was educated in Ilion, where he made his home and raised his family. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1969 until his honorable discharge in 1971, stationed in Long Beach, California. A devoted Navy man, Tim was often seen wearing his Vietnam Veteran’s hat with pride, honoring his ship, the USS Mansfield and time served.

Following his military service, Tim worked as a long-distance truck driver and later as a self-employed auctioneer. He was a member of the Frankfort VFW Post 502. A passionate sports fan, Tim loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, rooting for the New York Yankees, and coaching his sons and nephews in Little League baseball.

Tim was an avid animal lover and gifted storyteller, delighting family and friends with humorous and heartfelt stories from his life—often shared on the porch over a hot cup of coffee. He treasured fishing trips with his children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending auctions owned by his nephews, Clifford and Ben Johnston. A lover of music, Tim found joy in singing and had special songs that reflected his unique love for each of his children.

Family was Tim’s greatest treasure. He was a devoted son, a brother to 14 siblings, and a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. In his most cherished roles, Tim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Tim is survived by his wife and best friend of 43 years, Sharon (Entwistle) Johnston, and his children, who were the light of his life: Timmy Johnston (Mary Moore) of Chittenango; Tammy (Arin) Reffo of Latrobe, PA; Eric (Amy) Butler of Little Falls; Chad Johnston of Utica; Scott (Sarah) Johnston of Ilion; Andrew Johnston of Utica; Tracy (Michael) Scalise of Deerfield; Timothy Johnston Jr. of Deerfield; Travis (Jessica) Johnston of Herkimer; and his chosen daughter, Aonna Sageer of Ilion.

He also leaves behind 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, each of whom shared a special bond with their beloved grandfather.

Tim is further survived by his siblings: Jean Shibley; Carl Johnston Jr.; Leonard (Cindy) Johnston; Sue (Willie) Smith; Wayne (Kathy) Johnston; Roger (Lenora) Johnston; Earl Johnston; Dale Johnston; Danny (Tammy) Johnston; and Laura (Daniel) Horning .

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Carlos Johnston and Tod Johnston; sisters Alice Johnston and Pomray (Johnston) Pett; sisters-in-law Ruth Johnston and Ann Johnston; and brother-in-law David Shibley.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the medical teams at Wynn Hospital, Upstate University Hospital and Upstate Community Hospital for the compassion, respect, and care shown to Tim during his final months. In remembrance of his faithful service, the family requests that any charitable donations in his honor be made to the Frankfort VFW.

Family and friends are invited to attend services to honor a beautiful life well lived. Visitation will be held at The Enea & Ciaccia Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, NY 13357, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 PM and 5:00–7:00 PM. Interment will take place in the spring with full military honors at Armory Hill Cemetery.

Tim’s obituary may be viewed on the funeral home website by visiting www.eneafamily .com on the Internet.

Between now and then, until I see you again—

I’ll be loving you. Love me.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.

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01/01/2026

John A. Lorenzoni

In Loving Memory

LITTLE FALLS - We are saddened to announce that John (Giovanni) Lorenzoni, son of the late Nello and Cesira "Jennie" (Fenni) Lorenzoni, passed away on December 30th, 2025, at age 99. John was a cherished member of the community, whose warmth, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

Born on August 16th, 1926, in Little Falls NY, John grew up surrounded by family and friends who nurtured a spirit of compassion and adventure. John was a communicant of Holy Family Parish.

John was a production tool specialist at Chicago Pneumatic, retiring in 1985. John was also a highly respected bartender, frequently requested to work weekend shifts at various venues including the Wishing Well, Top Hat, Beardslee Castle, and Capece’s. He was well known for his whiskey sours and Manhattans.

John liked visiting the Saratoga Racetrack with friends and was a dedicated Mets and Giants fan. He loved cars, especially his 1959 black Buick convertible, and often participated in weddings and parades because of them.

John’s family descended from Vagli Sopra, Italy, where he was able to take vacations to meet his famiglia. He took pride in his Italian roots and was famous for his meatballs and sauce, hosting Wednesday spaghetti dinners. John frequented the White Rose Bakery, buying a multitude of pastries to share.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph (Pat), Albert, Emilio “Fonzie”, Fred, Rudolph “Rudy”; and sisters, Jane Hayner, Angelina Lorenzoni, infant Valida Lorenzoni, Valerie Tooley and his close companion, Mary Ann George.

John is survived by a large and extended family, Randy J. George of Huntington Beach CA, John R. George (Amy) of Norristown PA and Jeffrey A. George (Laura) of Little Falls NY ; his grandchildren, Devin George (Tamara) of Philadelphia PA, Alyssa Russo (Michael) of Morristown NJ, Nathan George (Kelcey) of Grey MA, Hannah, Cameron and Liam George of Norristown, PA and great grandchildren Elena, Ezra, Elias, Reign, Elle, Silas and Olenna; all of whom will miss him dearly and carry his memory in their hearts.

John is further survived by many nieces and nephews, Karen (Tom) McGrail of Herkimer NY, Jim (Lisa) Lorenzoni of Little Falls, Lisa (Daniel) Tolman of Little Falls and Lynn Lorenzoni from Georgia, Alan Tooley of Johnson City NY, Scott (Diane) of Little Falls, Bart (Monica) and many great nieces and nephews.

Friends and family will be able to pay respects at calling hours at The Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe Street in Little Falls, NY, on Friday January 2nd, 2026, between 8:30 and 10:30 AM.

His Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled at 11:00 AM, Friday, January 2nd, 2026, at Holy Family Parish Church, 763 E. Main Street, Little Falls, NY. (corner of East Main & John Streets). Friends and family are invited to gather at the calling hours and funeral mass and honor John's life and legacy.

Interment will take place in the Spring of 2026 at St. Mary’s Cemetery, town of Herkimer.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Holy Family Parish in recognition of John’s dedication to serving others.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to everyone who supported John over the past few years, including family, friends, Sitrin Home, and especially Deb Connors and Karen McGrail.

Though John may be gone from our sight, his love and spirit will remain with us always. Rest in peace, John. You will be forever missed and never forgotten.

This obituary may be viewed by visiting the funeral home website at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 823-2424.

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12/28/2025

Richard Henry Steele

MOHAWK - Richard “Dick” Steele, Sr., age 92, a lifelong resident of Mohawk, NY, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born March 13th, 1933, he was the son of Leslie E. Steele and Lesa M. Morreall of Mohawk, NY. He graduated from Mohawk Central High School in 1951, where he was an active participant in basketball, football, baseball, track, Hi-Y club, PTA demonstrations, and the yearbook club. Dick was drafted during the Korean War and honorably served overseas in the United States Army. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Florence “Teenie” L. Drury, on July 2nd, 1955. Together, they enjoyed a loving marriage of over 70 years while raising their family in their cherished hometown of Mohawk, NY.

Dick worked in Purchasing at Mohawk Data Science (MDS) in Herkimer, NY, until his retirement. Additionally, he and his wife were the proud owners of the Mohawk Washing Well from 1986 to 2006, building a family business that they later sold to their son. After retirement, Dick found great joy as a school bus driver for the Mohawk Central and later the Central Valley School Districts, driving his grandchildren’s teams to their games and then staying to watch and cheer them on, a role he treasured well into his 80s.

Dick was steadfast in his involvement in his children’s lives and remained dedicated to his community as a volunteer for various organizations. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Mohawk Volunteer Fire Department until 1974, a member of the Republican Club, and served as a councilman for the Town of German Flatts for many years. Additionally, he was a leader in the Boy Scouts. On sunny days, he could often be seen mowing his lawn and maintaining the grounds of the American Legion Memorial in Mohawk.

Dick had a special place in his heart for Canadarago Lake and cherished his time with his The Perkins Lane family, enjoying card games on the porch and celebrating the Fourth of July.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Florence "Teenie," as well as his devoted children: Richard Steele, Jr., and his wife Laurie (Cloutier) of Ilion, NY; Leslie Steele-Eddy and her husband Mark of Ilion, NY; Katherine Thuener of Mohawk, NY; Lesa Steele and her partner, William Olson of Ilion, NY; Christine Smalls and her husband Bandish of Ilion, NY; and Andrew Steele and his wife, Karen (Getman) of Mohawk, NY. He was also a father figure to his nephews, Terry, Tim, and Tom Steele of Cooperstown, NY. Dick is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Richard Steele III and his wife, Kelly; Michael Steele and his wife Alyssa; Keri Knight and her husband Robert; Jessica Thuener and her fiancé Kyle Elthorp; Matt Kenyon Jr., Katharine Sterling and her husband Richard, Maximus Kenyon and his wife Brianna; Gretchen Watkins; Rachel Opels and her husband Nick; Christopher Smalls; Brandin Smalls; Kiara Smalls; Brayden Smalls; Cody Brown; Emily Steele; Kristina Lindberg; Austin Lindberg; Adalyn Steele, as well as 10 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his beloved sister Charlotte Siver and brothers James and Robert.

In place of flowers, consider donations to Mohawk Valley Nurse Honor Guard, 1354 Elizabethtown Road, Ilion, NY, or Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 https://hospicecareinc.org/donate-online/.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, at 12:00 NOON, at The Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road in Ilion, New York, beginning with military honors offered by the United States Army, then services to be led by Rev. Brian Engle. Interment will take place in the Spring, 2026 at Mohawk Cemetery Annex.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the funeral home on Acme Road on Saturday morning, January 3rd, from 10:00AM until 12:00 Noon and then attend the services to follow.

Dick's obituary may be viewed online by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.

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12/28/2025

Mary F. Putnam

ILION - On the morning of December 24th, 2025, Mary F. Putnam of Ilion, New York passed away at the age of 89 at the Siegenthaler Center in New Hartford, NY with her loving family by her side. She was born as an identical twin in Cortland, NY on March 29th, 1936, to Russell and Marian Tinkham. Mary grew up on a country farm in the Finger Lakes area, close to Skaneateles Lake. She attended Scott Union School, then graduated from Homer High School in 1953, where she played the clarinet in the band. She graduated from S.U.N.Y. Cortland in 1956, earning a four-year degree in three years, just two months after her 20th birthday. After graduation, she began teaching in Ballston Spa, where she taught for four years. She then taught in the Utica school district for one year.

On May 28th,1960, Mary married Joseph Putnam of Ilion, NY. They had two daughters, Karen and Katherine. In 1965, Mary began teaching elementary school in the Ilion school district. She taught at the Weber Avenue, Barringer Road, and West Hill schools. In 1985, Mary graduated from Herkimer County Community College with an A.A.S. in Data Processing. She then became the first K-3 teacher in Ilion to introduce her students to computers. In 1988, Mary was presented with the “Excellence in Teaching Award”. She retired a few years later, after teaching for 30+ years.

Mary was very involved in her community. She completed 1000 volunteer hours with the Ilion Hospital Auxiliary, including serving as a Secretary, Vice President, and President-elect before the hospital closed. Mary was a member of the Historical Club of Ilion since 2004, which included doing research, writing papers, and serving as a past Secretary, Vice President, and President. Mary was also a member of the Friends of the Ilion Public Library for many years and served as a past Secretary and President. Finally, Mary was a long-time member of the Annunciation Church, where she enjoyed volunteering and taking trips with the Catholic Daughters.

After her retirement, Mary became an avid hiker and member of the Finger Lakes Trail Club and the Appalachian Mountain Club, along with her twin sister Margaret. Together, they persevered through rain, rocks, streams, injuries, bugs, and wild animals to complete their hikes. In 1995, they completed the 558-mile Finger Lakes Trail. A year later, they also completed all of the branch trails for a total of 786 miles. They were officially the 6th and 7th hikers to accomplish this, and the first women to do so. In 2003, they completed hiking the entire Appalachian Trail, from Maine to Georgia, for a total of 2,160 miles. They also hiked all 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks with elevations over 4,000 feet, hiked the 133-mile Northville-Placid Trail, and completed the ADK Fire Tower Challenge.

In addition to hiking, Mary had many other interests, talents, and hobbies. She was an avid watercolor painter for many years, participating in art shows, winning awards, and even selling some of her paintings. She also enjoyed cake decorating, baking, gardening, knitting, and crossword puzzles. Mary spent many years doing genealogy research and was delighted when she found the “missing link” that confirmed she was a Mayflower descendant. She was also thrilled to travel to Ireland to see where her grandmother and great-grandparents had lived.

Mary loved doing things with her family. She was a fantastic storyteller with the ability to create never-ending tales, to the delight of her children and grandchildren. She was also a proud grandmother who shared many of her interests with her grandchildren. She taught them how to read, paint, do arts and crafts, garden, and bake. She also especially enjoyed the annual extended family get-togethers at Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July, when relatives traveled from multiple states to attend. Mary will be greatly missed.

Mary is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Karen and David Freed, Katherine and Michael Durant; grandchildren: Jessica and Jonathan Freed, Gregory Durant; sister Margaret Watrous; brothers: James Tinkham, John Tinkham; sisters-in law: Michelle Tinkham, Joan Tinkham, Carol (Putnam) Power; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by her husband Joseph Putnam; parents Russell and Marian (Hudson) Tinkham; parents-in-law Leo and Alice Putnam; sister Barbara Bishop; and brothers-in-law: Malcolm Watrous, John Bishop, and Dr. Younger L. Power.

As per Mary’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral arrangements, only a private burial in the Spring of 2026.

Her family is very thankful for the genuine care and concern offered by the staff at Hospice and Palliative Care, Siegenthaler Center. Their kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

Those who so desire may consider a donation in loving memory of Mary to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. www.stjude.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road in Ilion, New York.

This obituary may be viewed by visiting the funeral home website at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.

View Mary F. Putnam's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/25/2025

12/22/2025

This season reminds us how meaningful it is when friends show up for one another. In our profession, that spirit of friendship becomes a team of dedicated funeral professionals supporting each other with compassion, care, and understanding. Together, we’re grateful for one another and for the families and community we serve every day.

Wishing you peace, comfort, and connection this holiday season. Happy Holidays from all of us. 🤍

12/21/2025

Martin J. Connarton

Martin J. Connarton, age 78, of Dover, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Throughout these last months of illness and during his passing, Marty was surrounded by the love and support of his children and grandchildren.

Born on August 25, 1947, in Exeter, New Hampshire, Marty was the son of the late James and Mildred (Corliss) Connarton. From his early days, he was always someone who lived life with his own sense of purpose and originality.

After high school, Marty joined the U.S. Navy, where he served overseas during the Vietnam War. This experience shaped him into a person who believed deeply in service and sacrifice. When he returned home, he dove headfirst into education, earning his undergraduate degree in social work from Holy Apostles College with a minor in philosophy, and later, his MSW and DCSW from UConn’s School of Social Work.

From there, he dedicated his life to helping others, specifically those struggling with mental health and substance abuse, as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). His career was a testament to his passion for helping people. He proudly worked well into his seventies, until his health no longer allowed him to do so.

Marty wasn’t just a social worker; he was a devoted Catholic, a patriot, a philosopher, a lifeguard, and earlier in life, a passionate stock car driver and enthusiast. Marty never missed a chance to share his eclectic and often eccentric opinions. His favorite conversations revolved around theology, philosophy, and politics.

A lover of literature, Marty was a lifelong reader, always with a book in hand. Some of his favorites were The Catcher in the Rye and The Great Gatsby. His mind was always in motion, whether he was reading, talking politics, or calling into his son Matthew's radio show to offer his take on current events.

He very much supported the show’s emphasis on music. He believed that we live in the "golden age of music" and was a true supporter of independent musicians, often championing college radio with the enthusiasm of younger generations.

While his love for sports, especially the New England Patriots and the UConn Huskies, was well known, Marty had a strong passion for exercise. He could often be found at the seacoast in the summer, where he swam the open ocean with skill and experience. He was also a strong advocate for keeping the mind and body sharp, always emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet and avoiding processed sugar.

Marty was previously married to the former Deborah Della Posta of Frankfort, NY, with whom he shared his two younger children, Linsey and Ryan. Along with his oldest son, Matthew, Marty blended his family and was immensely proud of them. In his later years, life brought him grandchildren, and he adored them beyond words.

Marty was predeceased by his parents, James and Mildred Connarton, and his brothers, Stephen and James.

Marty is survived by his three children, Matthew Connarton and his partner, Jenn Coffey, of Manchester, NH, Linsey and Garry Rumrill II of Frankfort, NY, and Ryan Connarton and Ashley Davis of Clayville, NY; his beloved grandchildren, Brady Della Rumrill and Garry Joseph Rumrill III; and his brother, Matthew Connarton of Dover, NH.

His wit, wisdom, and the unforgettable way he made every conversation feel like a lesson in life will be missed by all who knew him.

Marty’s family would like to extend their deepest and most sincere gratitude to the extraordinary healthcare team at Massachusetts General Hospital, particularly the staff of the Coronary Care Unit and Phillips House in the Ellison Building.

Marty’s funeral will take place on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 3:00PM-4:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. All are invited to share stories, laugh, and celebrate the extraordinary life of a man who always made sure to keep it interesting. In honoring Marty’s deep Roman Catholic faith, a prayer service will be held at 4:00PM at the funeral home. Spring interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frankfort.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.

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12/17/2025

Thomas A. Zuccaro

Mr. Thomas A. Zuccaro, age 73, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Wynn Hospital in Utica, NY.

Tommy was born on September 11, 1952, in Little Falls, NY, the son of Rudolph and Virginia Zuccaro (Kazmierski). He grew up in Little Falls and was a graduate of Little Falls High School.

Thomas lived a life full of dedication as a firefighter for the City of Little Falls Fire Department, retiring in the 1990’s. He then went on to further establish himself as the owner and operator of Fire Equipment Repair. Tommy served many fire departments in New York State, as well as Virginia. Fire departments he proudly served included; St Johnsville, Herkimer, Ilion, Frankfort, Frankfort Hill, Schuyler, Ames, Morrisville, Madison, North Brookfield, R.G.L., Paris Hill, Forestport, Utica, Boonville, Sylvan Beach, Jefferson, Raquette Lake, Eagle Bay, Inlet, Waterville, Deansboro, Clinton, Westmoreland, Clayville, Clinton, Hartwick, Fort Ann, East Herkimer, Old Forge, Cincinnatus, West Fulton, Grand Gorge, Sherrill Kenwood, West Leyden, Mohawk, Savannah, Canoga, Webb, Tasley VA., Melfa VA., Onley VA., Cape Charles VA., Cheriton VA., Bloxom VA., Eastville VA., Atlantic VA. Tommy made sure the equipment and fire trucks were in tip top shape to be able to serve and protect these communities.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Virgina (Kazmierski) Zuccaro.

Tommy is survived by his son, Ryan Zuccaro and his partner Emily Scarano, Ryan’s mother, Lorraine Heath and several cousins, including Richard “Dickie” Zuccaro who was like a brother to him and Ronnie Martin. He leaves behind many dear friends who would tell you that “Zuc” had some great one-liners and was a generous man. He will be missed greatly by all of those who had the honor of knowing him.

Calling hours for Thomas will be held Friday, December 19th, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow, commencing at 6:00 p.m., at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd., Ilion, NY, with Rev. Dr. Steven Scarcia officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Johnsville Volunteer Fire Department in memory of Tommy. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or donations can be mailed to the St. Johnsville Volunteer Fire Department, 6 W. Main St., St. Johnsville, NY 13452.

Anyone wishing to share a memory of Tommy, or add to his online memorial, may go to www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.

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12/15/2025

Tina L. O'Dell

Tina L. O’Dell, age 52, a resident of Herkimer, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, at the Wynn Hospital in Utica.

Born on September 24, 1973, Tina is the daughter of Karen (Lee) and Joseph L. O’Dell, Jr. She was raised and educated in Palatine Bridge and graduated from Gloversville High School. She also attended Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES and Fulton Montgomery Community College.

Tina was predeceased by her son Rodney Langlois and grandson Aiden O'Dell.

Tina loved her family with all her heart. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. For the last sixteen years, she has shared in a loving union with Carl C. McNeal. Together, they shared in many years filled with love, laughter and family.

Aside from her parent and her life partner, Carl, Tina is also survived by her brother Joseph O'Dell his daughter Alexis O'Dell; along with her life long friend Maralee Farrant; Carrie Workman and her children, Summer Fineout, Jaidalynn Black, Destin Serafin, Rylee Serafin. Shane O’Dell and his children, Jaylnn, Avery, David and Andrew; Jacob O’Dell and Natalie Cresong and their children, Khalaeh Ashley, Charles Ashley, Jr., Addisyn O’Dell and Bentley O’Dell; Devan McNeal, McKenzie McNeal and her son, Hakeem Wilson, Mycahl Cannon, Makayla Boclair and her kids, Israel Thaggard Boclair and Irielle Ward, Joseph Pablovich and his kids, Zakora Pablovich and Marianna Pablovich

In keeping with Tina’s wishes there will be no formal calling hours or funeral service. Her family will gather to celebrate her life in the spring.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate funeral directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.

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12/10/2025

Donatella M. Aceto

HERKIMER – Mrs. Donatella M. Aceto, a lifelong resident of Herkimer, New York, passed away on Monday, December 8th, 2025, at Wynn Hospital just a day after her 90th birthday.

Born on December 7th, 1935, in Herkimer, New York, Donnie was the daughter of the late Antonio and Jennie (Colonna) Angelicchio. She grew up in Herkimer, where her roots ran deep, and on August 11, 1962, she began a beautiful journey of love and partnership when she married her soulmate, Michael Aceto. Together, they nurtured a loving marriage for 63 wonderful years.

Family was the heart of Donnie’s world. She showered her loved ones with unwavering affection, embodying the role of a caring wife and devoted mother. A proud member of Sts. Anthony & Joseph Church, Donnie’s faith played a central role in her life. Throughout her years, she worked in various local establishments, including Duofold, the HCCC cafeteria, and Big Jim's Sub Shop, all while cherishing moments spent with family, reveling in trips to the casino, and watching game shows on television in the evenings.

Donnie is survived by her loving husband Michael P. Aceto Sr., along with her beloved children: John (Susan), Marie Elaine, Michele, Michael (Lisa), Thomas (Beth), and Suzanne. She was the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren: Antonio Peter, Giovanni, Gabriel, Bianca, Olivia, Antonio Vito, Angelina, Santino, Isabella, and Dominick, each of whom brought immense joy to her life.

She was preceded in death by her dear siblings and their spouses: Bernard and Josephine Angelicchio, Dominick “Mickey” Angelicchio, Vito and Frances Angelicchio, as well as her sisters and brothers-in-law: Lucy and Arminio Lidano, Louise and John Gardinier, Rose and Stanley Nobles, Antoinette Angelicchio, and Genevieve “Chick” Angelicchio, each of whose memory she held close to her heart.

Donnie also leaves behind a wide circle of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and in-laws, all of whom will miss her kind spirit and warm smile.

Funeral services honoring her life will take place on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, starting at 10:15 AM at The Enea Family Funeral Home located at 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, followed by an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Parish Church, corner of East Main & John Streets in Little Falls. The family will gather for interment in the spring of 2026 at Calvary Cemetery in Herkimer.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during calling hours on Friday, December 12th, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home on North Washington Street in Herkimer.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Donnie’s memory may consider making a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org.

To leave a note of sympathy and share memories, please visit the funeral home website at www.eneafamily.com.

Donatella M. Aceto will be forever remembered for her kindness, love, and the immeasurable joy she brought to those around her.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 866-1011.

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