Obituary of Mary R. Pedone

FRANKFORT – Mrs. Mary R. Pedone, age 72, a lifelong Frankfort resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, August 22, 2018. She passed in the privacy and comfort of her home, surrounded by the love of her devoted family after a long and courageous battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer.

Born on December 28, 1945, Mary was the daughter of the late Earl and Jennie (Sgroi) LaValla. She spent her early years in Frankfort, graduating with the Frankfort-Schuyler Class of 1964. Following high school, Mary went on to attend the Utica School of Beauty Culture, where she earned her license to practice cosmetology. For many years, she owned and operated The Beauty Lounge in Frankfort, retiring in 2007 after many years of dedicated service to her clients and friends.

On September 3, 1966, Mary was wed to John A. Pedone at St. Mary’s Church in Frankfort. Together they shared in almost fifty-two years of marriage; one filled with love, family and a mutual respect and devotion for one another. Mary’s family was her life and everything she did was for them. Her roles as wife, mother and grandmother were the most important things to her and she always made sure that her loved ones never went without.

The best days were the ones spent with a house full of family, friends and loved ones. Mary could be found in the kitchen, cooking and baking up a storm…her specialties being pizza and her infamous Christmas cookies, which she gave away to anyone lucky enough to receive them. She loved the holidays and family parties, because it gave her an honor to gather everyone she loved under the same roof. She was a gracious hostess with a heart of gold and a demeanor that earned the love and respect of all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

She was an avid New York sports fan, never missing a Yankees or Giants game. This same love for sports carried over into her three beloved grandsons, who were the pride and joy of Mary’s life. Their games and functions were precious to her, and she was sure to never miss any part of their lives. She was affectionately known as “Non”, not only to her boys, but to all of their friends as well.

Mary loved to travel, and together with her husband, she spent many winters in Florida, which were times of solace and relaxation that Mary thoroughly enjoyed. She also loved their trips to Italy and Las Vegas, and of course, their cruises together. Her zest for life was infectious and her positive outlook carried her through even the most difficult of times. She was a devout Catholic and a longtime parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort.

Her legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She is survived by her husband, John; her daughters and sons-in-law, Renee and Andrew Trojnar of Frankfort and Francine and Alan Young of Manlius; her beloved grandsons, Brandon Davis of Florida, John Trojnar and Andrew Trojnar, both of Frankfort; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Linda LaValla of Frankfort and Richard and Cindy LaValla of Trenton, GA; her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and in-laws, Frances and Philip Pandolf of New Hartford and Donna Merhib of Florida. She also leaves her cherished godchildren, Regina Testa, Gina LaValla-Campione and Jolynn Zegarelli; along with many friends who were near and dear to heart, including Christine Nurod, Toni Ann Vivacqua, Donna Rae Kinney, Mary Ann Varlaro, Patty Maloon, Carol Cross, Regina Winkler, Mary Don Dillard and Marilyn Foley.

Besides her parents, Mary was predeceased by her in-laws, Julio and Francesca Pedone.

A special thank you is extended to the doctors and staff from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, for the excellent care shown to Mary throughout her illness. Also, our deepest gratitude is extended to her angel nurse, Tina Zahniser, for being there with her and her family every step of the way.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Mary’s visitation on Sunday afternoon, August 26, 2018, from 1:00PM – 4:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Mary’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning, August 27, 2018, at 9:45AM at the funeral home and at 10:30AM at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Paul Catena, Pastor. Procession will follow to Mt. Olivet Cemetery, where Mary’s earthly remains will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 100 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Pedone family has entrusted Mary’s final wishes to Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.