Obituary of Roberta A. (Wallace) Guerriera

Roberta A. “Berta” (Wallace) Guerriera, age 55, a longtime Frankfort resident, bid farewell to this world on Thursday afternoon, March 16, 2017, at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. At the time of her passing, she had the love and support of her wonderful family at her bedside. Born on March 5, 1962, Roberta is the daughter of MaryAnn (Davern) Wallace and the late Joseph H. Wallace, Jr. She spent her childhood in Brooklyn, before relocating to Utica, where she was raised and educated, graduating from Proctor High School with the Class of 1980. She went on to further her education at the Utica School of Commerce where she earned her degree in Computer Science. She spent the early part of her working years as a Special Education Teacher’s Assistant in the Utica City School District. Most would remember her, however, as being a fantastic waitress and bartender during her many years with Thurston’s Restaurant in Frankfort. She thoroughly loved her time there, and became like family to her fellow co-workers and many of her customers throughout the years. At one time, Berta shared in a marriage to Anthony “Tony” Guerriera, and to this day, they maintained a special bond and close friendship. Family always came first in Roberta’s eyes, and nothing gave her more joy than time spent with her parents, children, grandson, siblings, nieces and nephews. She had an amazing sense of humor, a one-of-a-kind laugh and a vivacious personality that was contagious to all who knew her. Berta was a social butterfly who loved being free, dancing and having a good time. She lived life on her terms and she wasn’t afraid to let you know it! Berta had a great appreciation for spending time outdoors, gardening and planting flowers. She also had a fondness for cardinals, and completely adored her cat, “Boots.” She was a woman of deep spirituality and her Christian faith is what sustained her throughout the tough times in her life, and especially throughout her illness. She will be forever remembered by those who she loved for her strength, wit and courage. Survivors include her beloved son, Anthony Joseph Guerriera of Ilion; her daughter and son-in-law, Tiffany and Ronnie Jones of Ilion; her grandson, Domenick, who was the greatest gift she ever received; her mother, MaryAnn Wallace of Frankfort; her sisters and brother-in-law, JoAnn Carbone and Joslyn and Randy Arena, all of Frankfort; her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Donna Wallace of Frankfort; her nieces and nephews, Thomas Carbone, Zachary Wallace and Erica Hulbert, Matthew Carbone, Ashley VanCourt, Joseph Wallace and Libby Mulckey, and Jade Wheeler; and one great-nephew, Andre Archer. She also leaves her special uncle, John Davern, whom she loved like a brother, and his wife, Teena; her uncles and aunts, Whitey and Fran Wallace, Barbara Metzger, Susie and Frank Dowd, Tommy and Carol Wallace, and Mickey and Elie Wallace; numerous cousins, with special mention of Laura Metzger, who was the “peas to her carrots”; and her special friend and companion of many years, Chris Carney. Berta was predeceased by her father, Joseph; her maternal and paternal grandparents; a special cousin, Amelia Thorne; her aunts, Doreen Thorne, Carol and Mary; and her uncles, Patty Davern and Mickey Davern. Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours, which will be held on Monday, March 20, 2017 from 4:00PM – 7:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, Town of Frankfort, NY (315) 894-8000. Roberta’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 7:00PM at the funeral home, immediately upon the conclusion of visitation, with Rev. Steven Scarcia, officiating. A special thank you is extended to the staff of St. Luke’s Hospital PCU and to Sheri Gorea and Jake, for always being there. Arrangements have been entrusted to funeral directors, Marty Ciaccia and Harry and Kevin Enea.