Delores M. (Cirelli) Restante

Little Falls - Delores M. Restante, 85, a long time Little Falls resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday April 22, 2021 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica, NY with her loving family by her side.

She was born October 10, 1935 in Herkimer the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Norod) Cirelli. Delores was a graduate of Herkimer High School, class of 1953.

Her marriage to Mario J. Restante took place on May 31, 1958.

Delores started her schooling in cosmetology, graduating from Mohawk Hairstyling and Beauty School in 1968, Burno's Hairstyling in Toronto, Canada in 1970, Paul Mitchell Advanced School in New York City in 1972. From 1969 until her retirement in 1990, she was a prominent owner and operator of Madrid Hair Fashions in Little Falls. 

Delores has coordinated fashion shows, makeovers and lectures. She was also co owner of "The Cats Meow" where her interests included vintage clothing and jewelry. She was known for orchestrating vintage fashion shows and having displays throughout the store.

She held many fundraisers for the MVCA and the Little Falls Hospital Guild. Delores was chairperson for The Taste Of Little Falls and in addition, was also the chairperson for the special events of MVCA for 12 years.

Mrs. Restante was a member of the Holy Family Parish and also participated in the church choir.  She was also an active member of the Herkimer Garden Club, the Little Falls Hospital Guild, a member of the Choral Society for 10 years and served on the Board of MVCA for two consecutive years.

In 2006, Delores was voted for the Woman of Distinction Award for the Arts. Her committee raised thousands of dollars through Beaux Arts Ball, Teas, Fashions shows Consignment sales, Jewelry sales, Wine and Cheese, Dinner and a movie and many, many bus trips.

Delores loved spending the winters in Siesta Key, where she formed many long lasting friendships. Delores and her husband Mario, enjoyed their trips to the local casinos.

After her retirement, she enjoyed attending painting classes, where she showed a fondness for pastels and watercolors. She also enjoyed playing Mahjong, gardening, decorating, antiques, crossword puzzles and movie trivia. Delores was also an excellent cook and obtained a large collection of cook books.

Survivors include her loving husband of 63 years, Mario; a daughter, Sherry Pazzanese and husband Stephen; a son, Paul Restante and wife Janet; her grandchildren, Anthony and Alexa; sisters, Pauline Cesarini, Frances Matthews and Gloria MacComber; brothers, Nicholas Cirelli and wife Dorothy,  and Anthony "Junior" Cirelli and wife Betsy; and several nieces and nephews.

She was pre-deceased by her brothers and their wives, Joseph Cirelli and wife Joan and Peter Cirelli and wife Eleanor; and a niece, Andrea Cirelli Hilsinger.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday April 29, 2021 at 11:00 am from Holy Family Parish, 763 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Brian Slezak, pastor. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, NY. Friends and relatives may call at the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to NBT Bank), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY on Wednesday April 28, 2021 from 6 - 8 pm. Due to the current COVID - 19 health restrictions, facemask and social distancing is required. All memorial contributions may be made to Mohawk Valley Center of the Arts, 401 Canal St., Little Falls, NY 13365. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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