Maria (Mary) (Palmiotto) DePalma

Maria (Mary) Domenica Palmiotto DePalma, 96, passed away peacefully on Dec. 14, 2024.  She was born in Giovinazzo, (Bari) Italy on Aug. 23, 1928, to Pasquale and Serafina Cortese Palmiotto.  She immigrated with her family to the United States, settling in Herkimer, NY in 1948.

Maria was a seamstress, learning her craft as a young girl in Italy.  She worked at Allegro Shoe Factory along with several union dress shops in the Mohawk Valley, so, “Look for the Union Label”.

She married Savino (Sam) DePalma at St. Anthony’s Church, Herkimer on April 11, 1953; a marriage that lasted until Sam’s passing on Oct. 28, 2019.  They leave the gifts of faith, family and their Italian heritage to their four children and their families:  Celia (Joe) Grande, Joe (Kathy) DePalma, Pat DePalma, Amy Geer DePalma, Sarah (Daryk) Macrina.

Her twelve grandchildren:  Jessica Grande Farber, Sam (Erica) Grande, Joe Grande, Bob (Shauna) Grande, Kara (Joe) Sarro, Mary Katherine DePalma, Peter DePalma (fiancé Emilie), Mary Grace DePalma, Josie DePalma, Tommy (Carolyn) Macrina, Maria (Tim) Rand and Nick Macrina. Her seven great grandchildren:  Abigail, Madison, Lana, Savino, Luca, Lia and Oscar. 

Mary leaves behind her sister and best friend, Rosalie Mula, her fun-loving sister-in-law, Pina Palmiotto and Sam’s sister Sarah DePalma Marolla of Nesconset, LI, along with many nieces and nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Sam, her parents, in-laws, and her beloved brother (and meticulous gardener), Tom Palmiotto, as well as an infant brother in Italy.

Mary was a St. Anthony’s Crafty Lady for years. She showed her love by cooking, baking and sewing.  People would often seek her out to make, tailor or hem their clothes for “$2 a leg”. 

We will miss making "tarad" in her cellar, our annual Christmas Cookie Day for making pettole and her perfect giammelle Easter cookies, as well as our beautiful Christmas Eve celebration with Grandma’s recipe for fish soup.  Everyone will remember the feasts in the garage and ALL of the family traditions and gatherings that made 311 S. Bellinger St. so special!  We are forever grateful to you Mom & Dad!

 Burial at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, NY will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11:00 am. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the locally owned and family operated, Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY 315-866-1500.

We’d also like to thank the staff and angels on the third floor of Little Falls Hospital for the kindness and loving care they gave Mary in her last days. Dio vi benedica!

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