Obituary of Elvira M. Potenza

Mrs. Elvira M. Potenza

Frankfort - Mrs. Elvira M. Potenza, 91, went home to the Lord on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at home with her family by her side. 

She was born in Ilion on May 7, l932, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Gatto and she attended Frankfort schools. She was a cheerleader and bowled later in life on various leagues.  On April 24, 1954 she was united in Holy Matrimony to Frank Potenza.  Together, Frank and Elvira shared in a Blessed and devoted union of 56 years, until Frank's passing on January 14, 2010.   Frank and Elvira were owners and operators of Urgo's Farm Supply, while Elvira raised a family of three children, then later in life was blessed with five grandchildren. She was a dedicated communicant of Our Lady of Apostles Church. 

Anyone that knew Elvira, knew that her greatest gift was her family, especially her children.  She loved unconditionally, was compassionate and had the kindest heart. She was a selfless mother and wife.  By her example, she taught her children about life - about honesty, respect, love, hard work and accepting responsibility.   She made everyone feel welcome in her home.  She was a fabulous cook and baker, and especially enjoyed putting on holiday family dinners.  And her greatest pleasure was when her children's friends came over and she would treat them to her baked goods.   Elvira and Frank took many enjoyable vacations together and she lived life to the fullest.  

Elvira is survived by her daughter, Marie Grippe and her three children Brian, Frank and Cassandra of Frankfort,  her son, Frank and daughter-in-law, Gina, along with their two sons, Frank and Nicholas, all residing in Michigan and her daughter, Niki, who moved back into her home as her full-time caregiver. She also leaves behind her siblings and their families, Patty Loiacano, Pat and Santina Gatto and Gloria Cioch and several nieces, nephews and friends of the family; special mention of Mary Ann LaValla and family. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Potenza; her parents, Joseph and Mary Gatto; her sister and brother-in-law Ann and John Burrell, her brothers-in-law, Paul Loiacano and Steve Cioch.,

Her funeral will be held Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 10:30 am in Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, S. Frankfort St Frankfort where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Paul Catena. Interment will follow at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Her funeral arrangements have been entrusted the V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc., 203 Second Avenue, Frankfort.

The family would like to give special thanks to St. Camillus Rehab Center, University Hospital ICU Unit, Syracuse; St. E’s Hospital ICU Unit, Utica; MOVAC EMS; Kunkel EMS; Pharmacist David, Kinney Drugs, Ilion; Palliative Care / Hospice Nurses, and to the many local doctors and nurses that cared for her.  Special thanks to Dr. Daniel Berg and Nurse Tammy Vermilling, Central NY Cardio, Utica, for their extra special care, professionalism and compassion over the years, the family is forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Elvira’s memory may be made to Alzheimer's Foundation (Dementia Research and Cures) 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601. 

Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Elvira's online memorial page by going to http://www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com