UTICA/LITTLE FALLS: Mary A. Salamone, age 79, a former longtime Little Falls resident, went home with the Blessed Mother to be with her loving Savior on Sunday, December 4, 2011. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by the love and support of her family. Mary was born in Frankfort on March 27, 1932, the daughter of the late George and Angeline (Bellino) (Grizzuto) Grates. She was a graduate of Frankfort High School and Utica School of Commerce. On October 31, 1953 she was united in marriage to Sam P. Salamone in St. Mary's Church, Frankfort by Father Fuffard. Mary and Sam shared 58 years of happiness, contentment, and unconditional love. At one time, she held a position at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., as a secretary to a Colonel; she worked at the Little Falls High School in the library and was co-owner, alongside her husband, of Northgate True Value Hardware in Little Falls. Mary was a communicant of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church and was extremely active in local churches for many years assisting her husband, Deacon Sam. Her love of family, the blessings of motherhood, and the affection she shared with her grandchildren and great grandchildren could be seen in the glimmer of her eye. She pursued ceramics in her leisure time and one of her proud accomplishments was the Nativity Set that she made. Mary was an exceptional cook and enjoyed gardening. Mary is survived by her beloved husband, Sam; her sons, James Salamone and wife JoAnn of Little Falls, Stephen Salamone and wife Colleen of Little Falls, Richard Salamone and wife Laura of Little Falls; grandchildren, Samual Salamone and wife Leslie, Joseph Salamone and wife Renee, Daniel Salamone and wife Allison, Maria Salamone, Nicholas Salamone, D.J. Shepardson and wife Gina, Bryan Shepardson and wife Sarah, Stephanie Salamone and fiancée Mark Metott, Richard Salamone, Chantal Salamone and Bryce Salamone; great grandchildren, John, Brynn, Bailey, Brayden, Nolan, Caden, Théo and Gryffin; a brother-in-law, Steve Salamone, sister-in-law, Rosemarie Salamone; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by a brother, Fred Grates and a sister, Rose Torchia The family wishes to acknowledge Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially nurse Kathy Smith, a special niece Joan Lee Valent, special caregiver Jackie Warner and Mary's many friends of Schuyler Commons for their compassion, kindness and care offered to Mary during her illness. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December, 6, 2011 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd., Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315)894-8000. Friends and relatives are respectively invited to attend Mary's funeral service on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 9:45 a.m. from the chapel of the funeral home and at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, Frankfort Street, Frankfort where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Very Reverend Anthony Barratt, concelebrated by the Reverend Mark Pasik and assisted by Deacons James Bower and Richard Prusko. Procession will then follow to Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frankfort where she will be laid to rest. In lieu of floral arrangements, expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family is being cared for by Harry J. Enea, Funeral Director. "Thank you Jesus and Mary for the life and love of this special wife, mother, and Nanny and for her joyous journey home to you."