IN MEMORIAM: Virginia M. Naples, 91;

Raised Amid 6th Ward’s Joys, Hardships

ONEONTA – Virginia Mary Naples,  91, a member of the extended Oneonta family, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, at Bassett Hospital.

She was born Oct. 31, 1925, in Oneonta, the daughter of the late Pasquale and Rose (Perrine) Mongillo.  Virginia graduated from Oneonta High School, Class of 1943.

She married Albert M. Naples on Nov. 9, 1947, at St. Mary’s Church, Oneonta.  Albert predeceased her on July 4, 2012.

Virgie, as she was fondly known, lived her entire life in Oneonta, surrounded by her extended family of sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, in-laws and many friends.  And she was fortunate and grateful to live among caring and attentive neighbors.

She loved to reminisce about her childhood growing up with her Italian family on West Broadway, capturing both the hardships and joys of that special time in vivid and colorful detail.  She was proud of her heritage and carried the spirit and soul of it with her throughout her life.

Virgie loved to garden and was a wonderful cook.  She was an avid reader.  But most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.  She was a loving and wonderful mother, aunt, grandmother, sister and friend. Anyone who has ever been in her home will happily recall fond memories of enjoying good food and conversation in her breakfast nook. She was a thoughtful and loving woman who touched and enriched many lives, and was dearly loved in return.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Church, the Rosary Society and the Young at Heart.

Virginia is survived by her three sons, Albert Naples and his partner, Edward Creasy, of Croton-on-Hudson, Frank Naples of Ithaca, and Mark and Shan Naples of Hammondsport; six grandchildren, Marco, Juliet, Alexander, Gianna, Skye and Athena; two sisters, Philomena Washburn of Oneonta, and Hope and Doug Davidson of Treadwell; two brothers, Tony and Ann Mongillo of Oneonta and Michael Mongillo of Oneonta; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends are invited to call 5-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, at St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, NY, with Rev. David Mickiewicz, pastor, officiating.  Burial will be held in the spring in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.

For those who wish to make a memorial donation please consider making them to the St. Mary’s Building Fund, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta NY 13820 in loving memory of Virginia Mary Naples.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta.