Obituary of Mary V. Cesario

CANASTOTA . . . Mary Vera Cesario, age 92, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Treasure Coast Hospice, Stuart, FL. She was born in Canastota, NY, on December 27, 1929, the daughter of Vincenzo Giufre and Agatha (Leonardi) Giufre. Mary was raised in Canastota, where she attended Canastota Central Schools. In her youth, she played various sports including field hockey, basketball, archery, softball, and cheerleading. Mary was also an active member of multiple clubs and organizations such as the Highway Bowl Women's League, the Canastota Booster Club, as well as the Age of Aquarius Women's Club. She and her husband, Joe, retired to Stuart, FL, in 1995. Their life was full of many adventures with friends both new and old. Their seventeen years at Suntide Condominium was spent fishing, walking on the beach, and hosting many clambakes. Mary married Joseph Peter Cesario, her handsome groom and loving husband, on August 7, 1948. Joe passed away on August 7, 2010. They enjoyed sixty-two wonderful years together. Mary was a friendly and helpful presence in downtown Canastota for many years. She was a bookkeeper and clerk for A & M Argentine Clothing Store and Albanese Shoe Store in Canastota. Mary was also co-owner of K & L Creations in Canastota with her daughter-in-law, Kim. She was a devoted member of St. Agatha's Church in Canastota. Her love for her family is her legacy. She was the go-to family historian and storyteller. She and Joe also loved to travel, and visit friends and loved ones along the way. She is survived by her three children: Anne Marie Cesario of Fort Bragg, CA, Larry P. and Kimberly (Griffin) Cesario of Cazenovia, NY, and Mary Jo and Mark Hood of Hobe Sound, FL; her eight grandchildren: Vincent J. Cesario of Oneida, Maiah and Vince Caito of Ft. Bragg, CA, Cameron and Dominique White of Port St. Lucie, FL, Gabrielle and Dylan James of Oceanside, CA, and Michael, Mark, Kenny, and Carmella Hood, all of Florida; six great grandchildren, Kal, Grayson, and Reece White, Dominic, Bianca, and Leonardo Caito; her brother and sisters-in-law, Carmen and Muriel Giufre of Fayetteville; and Virginia Mariano of Canastota; as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mary was predeceased by her four brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony "Tony" and Louise Giufre, Salvatore "Sam" and Florence Giufre, Frank A. "Sharkie" and Florence Giufre, and Giuseppe Giufre; and three sisters and brothers-in-law, Alfreida "Frieda" and Vincent "Butch" Buda, Angeline and Donald Starks, and Josephine "Jay" and Sam "Bunny" Passante. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 8, 2022, at St. Agatha's Church, 329 N. Peterboro Street, Canastota. Burial will be in St. Agatha's Cemetery, Canastota. There will be no public calling hours. Arrangements are under the supervision of the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. In Mary's memory, contributions may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997, or to St. Agatha's Church, c/o SOHCC Central Office, 121 St. Joseph's Place, Oneida, NY 13421, with envelopes available at the church.