Obituary of Celia F. Averson

HERKIMER – Mrs. Celia F. (Tuzzolino) Averson, age 92, a lifelong area resident, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, March 12, 2021 at Valley Health Services in Herkimer. At the time of her passing she had the love and support of her dedicated husband, Richard, at her side. Born on November 10, 1928, Celia was one of seven children to the late Philip and Concetta (Feduccia) Tuzzolino. She was raised and educated in Frankfort and graduated with the Class of 1947. Celia’s career was spent with the New York State Department of Labor where she worked for many years, retiring as a Senior Employment Security Clerk. On April 6, 1974, Celia was blessed to share in the Sacrament of Marriage with Richard A. Averson when the two were wed at St. Mary’s Church in Frankfort by Reverend Alfred A. Lamanna. Together, Celia and Richard shared in a loving and devoted union of over forty-six years. Survivors include her beloved husband, Richard; her sister, Mary Sportello of Frankfort; her sisters-in-law, Mary Caiola of Ilion and the late Marie Averson of New Hartford; along with many nieces and nephews. Celia was predeceased by her parents, Philip and Concetta; her siblings, Anthony and Phyllis Tuzzolino, Sister Mary Concepta Tuzzolino, Josephine and John Ruffalo, Rose and Jack Ahern, and Ann and Angelo Congilaro; and a brother-in-law, Joseph Sportello. A Traditional Latin Requiem Mass will be offered at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at St. Thomas More Chapel, 738 Roberts Street at Sunset Avenue, Utica, NY. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frankfort. For those wishing to do so, in lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Celia’s final arrangements were pre-arranged and entrusted to the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.