NEW HARTFORD – Mrs. Clara C. (Casamento) Martino, age 71, of New Hartford, passed away after a courageous battle on Saturday, March 14, 2009 in the comfort of her daughter’s home with her loving family by her side. Although afflicted with a debilitating condition, Clara continued to inspire the many people in her life by her courage and inner strength, until the day she passed.
Born in Norwich on Sept. 5, 1937, Clara was the daughter of the late Joseph and Grace (Raffaele) Casamento. Following her graduation from Norwich High School she attended Cortland State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. On June 30, 1962 in St. Bartholomew’s Church in Norwich, she married Joseph E. Martino ,with whom she shared 46 years in a blessed and loving union. The couple relocated to Utica upon their marriage.
Clara is survived by her husband, Joseph; her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph N. and Laurene J. Martino of Sauquoit; her daughters and sons-in-law, Celine M. and Vincent J. Visingardi of New Hartford, and Joanna L. and Paul Gerwig of Mass.; and her grandchildren, Joseph M. Martino, Matthew N. Martino, Stephen M. Martino, Jennifer K. Martino, Marissa C. Visingardi, Joseph V. Visingardi, Andrew D. Gerwig, and Ethan C. Gerwig. Survivors also include her sisters and brothers-in-law, V. Jane Casamento, and Josephine Casamento, both of Norwich, Lucy and John Messina of Marcy, and Patricia and Tom Messina of Ghent; her brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Rosemary Casamento of Norwich.
Visitation will be held Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., Utica, NY 13501 (1-800-357-3019).
For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Clara’s honor to the ALS Association of Utica; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Clara’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. John the Evangelist Church, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Online tributes at: www.EannaceFuneralHome.com.