Mary Asselta DeFazio, 84, of Lenox died Jan. 23, 2018. Mary was born June 18, 1933, in Utica, New York, the daughter of Louis J. and Mary Infusino Asselta. She attended Utica schools and graduated in 1951 from Thomas R. Proctor High School. She was employed at the Oneida National Bank.
On July 23, 1955, she was married to Richard A. DeFazio at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, in Utica. They would have celebrated 63 years of marriage this July. In 1976 she and her family moved to Massachusetts. She was employed at the former England Brothers Department Store in the sales audit and cash office from April 1978 until the store’s closing in 1988. In the summer of 1988, she went to work at the First National Bank of the Berkshires in Lee until her retirement in April 1995. Mary was a member of St. Ann’s Church in Lenox where she was a eucharistic minister. She volunteered at Tanglewood. She also volunteered at the Silvio O. Conte National Archives as a genealogist as well as managing the bookstore. Mary loved her family, home, traveling, reading, friends and life. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren. She was a good listener, a loyal and supportive friend, and always had a thirst for knowledge.
Mary is survived by her loving husband of Lenox; loving daughter Marie Tricarico, son-in-law Richard Jr., and grandsons Michael, Joseph and Anthony of Syracuse, New York. Mary also leaves her loving sister, Rose Asselta, of Lenox. Family members include an aunt, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her family would like to thank her doctors, the staff at the BMC Cancer and Infusion Center, the staff at the Berkshire Medical Center, and all who had a part in her care for the loving care and support they gave to her and the family.
A liturgy of Christian Burial for Mrs. Mary A. DeFazio will be celebrated Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, at 10 a.m. at St. Ann’s Church by the Rev. Monsignor John J. Bonzagni, pastor. Calling hours will be held Sunday, Jan. 28, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main St., Lenox, MA 01240. Burial will be Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 11:30 a.m. in the Calvary Cemetery in Utica. In lieu of flowers, it is Mary’s request that people donate to their favorite charities in her memory in care of the Roche Funeral Home. To share memories and stories, visit rochefuneralhome.com.
