Maria Giovanna D'Elia

SCHENECTADY – Maria Giovanna D’Elia, 59, returned to God’s embrace, on January 29, 2025 40 days after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, with her loving family at her side. Born on December 2, 1965, in San Rufo, Salerno, Italy, the daughter of Cono and Pasqualina Marmo D’Elia. Maria entered the world in the warmth of her family home, surrounded by generations of loving grandmothers. In 1970, at the age of four, she immigrated to America with her family, settling in Schenectady, NY.
Maria attended St. Anthony’s School, where many Italian immigrants went. Sr. Maria Rosa Querini, who spoke Italian, helped her and her classmates learn English. She later graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1983 and pursued her passion for travel and tourism at Spencer Business School. Her career began at Niagara Mohawk, where she worked as a meter reader in collections. She dedicated 35 years of service in Albany before retiring in 2023.
Maria was a woman of deep faith, devoted to her family, and cherished life’s simple joys—especially the beach and traveling. She frequently returned to her beloved homeland, celebrating family weddings and special occasions. Proud of her heritage and traditions, she instilled them in her children, ensuring that the values and customs passed down through generations lived on. One of her greatest joys was the tradition of Saturday family gatherings, a time of love, laughter, and togetherness—the last of which took place on December 27th, a testament to the closeness of her family. But we always celebrated traditional Sunday dinners at Nonna’s house.
Maria was predeceased by her father, Cono I. D’Elia.
She is survived by her loving and devoted family; her mother, Pasqualina Marmo D’Elia; children, Nicholas Zych, Marcus Zych and Victoria DeChiaro-D’Elia and her fiancé, Ben Perkins, her grand-daughter, Aurora Perkins, who will know her Nonna through shared stories and precious memories; her sister and brother-in-law, Antoinetta (Mark) Kwolek; nephews, Lorenzo Kwolek and his fiancée (Elise Moffett) and Angelo Kwolek; many treasured aunts, uncles, and cousins here in America & Italy, who are family forever. Maria’s legacy of love, faith, and tradition will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 11 am at St. John the Evangelist Church.
Calling hours will be held at St. John the Evangelist prior to the Mass, starting at 9 am.
Mass will be live streamed at www.youtube.com/@stjohnevangelist9100