Virginia (Cesario) Mariano, 98, formerly of New Boston Street in Canastota and more recently of 400 Lamb Ave., passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Oneida Health Hospital.

Born on June 8, 1927, in Canastota to the late Lorenzo and Anna Maria (Sarandrea) Cesario. Virginia was a lifelong resident of the area and a proud graduate of Canastota High School.

Virginia spent over 30 years working alongside her late husband, Peter, at their family business, Pete & Tocker’s Fruit Stand in Sherrill, retiring in 1982. She was a devoted member of St. Agatha’s Church and cherished her time as an avid golfer, reader and Yankee fan. Above all, Virginia treasured the moments spent with her family and close friends, who will remember her for her kindness, humility and amazing sense of humor.

She was united in marriage to Peter J. Mariano on November 27, 1947. Their 57-year marriage was filled with love and devotion until his passing on November 9, 2005.

Virginia is survived by two sons, Peter, Jr. (Judy) of Ohio and Michael (Tracey) of Oneida; four grandchildren, Matthew (Melinda) Mariano, Meghan (Ben) Russell, Morgan (Nicholas) Shaffer, and Mallory (Amanda) Rose; ten great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her siblings, Charles Cesario, Joseph Cesario, and Catherine (Cesario) Pumilio.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, August 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, 201 James Street, Canastota. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at St. Agatha’s Church, 329 N. Peterboro Street, Canastota. Interment will be in St. Agatha’s Cemetery, Canastota.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Virginia’s memory may be made to St. Agatha’s Bereavement Ministry or the Greater Lenox Ambulance Service (GLAS), with envelopes available at the funeral home.