Bessie J. Farina Iovinella

SCHENECTADY – Bessie J. Farina Iovinella, 90, of 13th Street, died peacefully Friday morning at her home after a long illness, surrounded by her loving family.
Bessie was born in South Schenectady, the daughter of the late Vincenzo and Francesca Scirocco Farina. She was a graduate of the former Draper High School. Bessie worked for the General Electric Company during WWII making airplane parts used for navigation. Since her five brothers were serving in the war, she was very proud to help in the war effort. She was a longtime homemaker but helped her sister at Ann’s Pizzeria, on Broadway. She was an avid baker, master chef, loved gardening and crafts with her late husband. She loved music and was an outstanding dancer. As a young girl, she taught herself how to play the harmonica and played it throughout her life. Bessie’s home was an open door; she was everyone’s mother and gave unselfishly. She was a former communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, St. Anthony’s Church and when her family relocated to the Bellevue area she became a member of the Immaculate Conception Church where she was a faithful communicant for 55 years. She was a life member of its Rosary Society and volunteered at the church for numerous events. Her faith was her touch stone throughout her beautiful and precious life.
Bessie’s family would like to thank Dr. Weiner, Dr. Laity, Community Hospice of Schenectady, Greg DeLorenzo and Fr. Dominick Isopo for their tender loving care shown to their mother.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 52 years, Guido Iovinella whom she married on June 20, 1948 and he died December 9, 2000; brothers, Joseph, Patrick, Peter, Jerry, Frank, James and Daniel Farina; sisters, Levia DiMaggio, Margaret Farina, Jennie Fernandez and Mary Howe.
Survivors include her loving children; Deborah Galka and her husband Bill, Barbara Iovinella, all of Schenectady and Guido Iovinella, of Guilderland; grandchildren, Joseph Zelezniak II and his wife Jennifer, Salvatore Iovinella and Nathaniel Milton; great-grandchildren, Joseph Zelezniak III, Michael and Eric Zelezniak; siblings Anthony Farina and Anna Newell, both of Schenectady; Sister-in-law Edith Farina, Mary and her husband Michael Marotta, all of Schenectady; survivors also include her faithful dog, Paddington. Many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Tuesday morning at 8 am from the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, Union at N. Jay Streets and then to St. Luke’s Church, State St., where a Mass will be celebrated at 9 am. Interment to follow the Mass at Sts. Cyril and Method Cemetery, Rotterdam.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, Monday evening from 5 to 8.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bessie’s memory to Community Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12308.
For more information and directions please visit www.rossiditorofuneralhome.com .