Obituary of Mary Concetta Natoli Smicinski

Mary Concetta Natoli Smicinski, 89, formerly of Golf Course Rd., Amsterdam, passed away Friday January 23, 2009 at Albany Medical Center Hospital with her loving family at her side. Born in Amsterdam, NY on February 12, 1919 a daughter of John and Maria Dalia Natoli. She was a lifelong Amsterdam resident and was a 1936 graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. She graduated from the former Colonna Beauty School in Schenectady, NY. Mary was a self employed hairdresser and worked for a time out of a location on Garden St. in Amsterdam and later out of her own home for many years. She later was a homemaker at the family home on Academy St. in Amsterdam. After the death of her mother Mary resided on Guy Park Ave for many years and with the onset of her illness on Golf Course Rd. to be with her son Robert. She was a History and Trivia buff. Mary loved doing crossword puzzles, reading, music and participating in radio contests. She also loved to cook especially Italian foods and was a silent contributing partner in "Past and Present" column that ran for several years in the Amsterdam Recorder. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary was a communicant of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Amsterdam. She is survived by her son, Robert Joanne Smicinski of Amsterdam, NY, brother, Anthony J. Natoli of Martinsburg, WV., Three grandchildren, Patricia Apuzzo of Half Moon, NY, Christine Morawski of Guilderland, NY and RobertPatricia Smicinski of Johnstown, NY. Seven great-grandchildren, Stephen, Michael and Christina Morawski of Guilderland, NY, Matthew and Julie Smicinski of Johnstown, NY and Remo and Matthew Apuzzo of Halfmoon, NY, special niece and nephew Joan Dr. Victor Pecore of Westfield, NJ, several other nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Mary was predeceased by her parents John and Maria Natoli, infant son Thomas, sister, Jennie Cali, brothers, PFC Angelo, Barney, Dominic, and John Natoli and special nephew Joseph J. Cali in February 2007. Appreciation to the medical team of physicians and nurses in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Albany Medical Center for their excellent care and compassion during her stay. The family wants to extend to the staff at Wilkinson Adult Day Care many thanks for the wonderful care, happiness, joy and comfort she experienced while attending their program for several years. Gratitude to Father William Pape of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, NY. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday January 27th, 2009 at 10:15AM at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11:15A.M at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam with Father Pascal "Pat" Iannotti as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Michael's Cemetery, Amsterdam. The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday evening January 26th, 2009 from 4:00 to 7:00P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the E.L. Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility Adult Day Care or to the Montgomery County Meals for the elderly.