HERKIMER-Bella C. Altamuro, 83, a lifelong Herkimer resident, (Perry Street) entered into eternal rest peacefully on Monday morning, March 30, 2009 in Valley Health Services, Herkimer. She was born on February 24, 1926 in Herkimer, daughter of the late Frank and Rocca (Buttiglione) Altamuro and educated in Herkimer schools. She attended the Utica School of Business and beautician school also in Utica. She was the owner and operator of the former Angel Beauty Salon in Herkimer and sold Avon for 60 years. Bella was also formerly employed with Griffiss Airforce Base, Rome. She was a communicant of Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, Herkimer. A selfless woman from a young age, she possessed outstanding attitude even throughout her lifelong battle with Polio. If it was not for a certain man in the village of Ilion who discovered the initial stages of Bella’s disease, she probably would have not come as far as she did. It was because of him that Bella discovered she had the Polio Virus and from this point on was committed to fighting the illness. In fact, Bella’s determination and commitment to this illness raised thousands of dollars for the local March of Dimes organization. Her outstanding qualities of love and caring were evident in the many family gatherings that she hosted in her home with her unique style and generosity. She will be deeply missed by all who know her. Bella was active in the community of Herkimer and was past president of the Anthony R. George Post Auxiliary and volunteered for the Herkimer VFW Post and Herkimer American Legion. She also devoted much of her time volunteering with the American Red Cross of Herkimer and was an election inspector. Survivors include her loving family; two brothers: Victor Altamuro and wife Maria of Queens and James Altamuro and wife Louise of Utica; three sisters: Laura Myers of Herkimer, Frances Kirby of Lawrenceville, Georgia and Mary Jane Moschelle and husband John of Cumberland Head, Plattsburgh; an aunt: Bella Bono; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by four brothers: Frank, Michael, Angelo and Carmen Altamuro and by a sister: Carmella Altamuro. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. Bella’s funeral will commence at 9:15 am on Thursday, April 2 from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 10 am from Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, S. Main St., Herkimer where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by the Rev. Anthony Ligato, pastor. Procession will follow to Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer where she will be laid to rest. Kindly consider memorial offerings in her name to the March of Dimes, 1001 James St., Utica, NY, 13501 or to Shriners Hospitals for Children c/o the Ziyara Shrine Temple; 251 Genesse Street; Utica, NY 13501. Envelopes may be obtained at the funeral parlor. The family wishes to thank the Shriner Hospital for taking wonderful care of Bella throughout her stay at their hospital.