Marietta Pileggi

HERKIMER - Marietta Pileggi, 89, went home to be with the Lord, when she passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Valley Health Services, Herkimer, with the love and support of her family, even in her last hours imparting spiritual wisdom to all. The outstanding care and compassion offered at that facility was a blessing to Marietta and her family.

Born in Oppenheim, on December 23, 1934, Marietta was the daughter of the late Antonio (Anthony) and Antonette (Musella) Antonucci. Raised and educated locally, she attended Dolgeville Schools. On March 8, 1952, she married Joseph M. Pileggi, in Dolgeville. They shared great devotion and true love during their partnership and marriage of 63 years and they held those feelings for each other until Joe’s very last day, Joe having joined the Lord on June 6, 2015. Over the years, Marietta worked at Jonell’s Manufacturing, in Herkimer.

At home, as the matriarch, Marietta was a wonderful wife, homemaker and mom with the door always open to family and friends and always giving of herself. She thrived upon her children and grandchildren being safe and happy. From childhood, she had always been a compassionate soul and this led her to a fulfilling life playing the organ and piano. She shared her talents at weddings, funerals and churches across the State of New York and beyond.

Marietta served as the coordinator of family gatherings. Her legendary cooking and baking ability graciously fed so many of us through the years. She had a servant’s heart and accommodated all at any given time, always putting others first. In fact, missionaries, guest speakers and pastors that came through our area via church functions were often served delicious meals, compliments of Marietta, at her home, another testimony to her hospitable warmth and generosity.

A deep devotion to God was proven to us even on her last days when she overrode sadness with a celebration of her homecoming to the Lord, sharing her recipes with us right up until late last week! Her proclamations were a testament to the goodness of God and she reminded us steadfastly how faithful He is and always will be. A devoted member of New Life Church, Marietta was instrumental with the music ministry of the church having played the organ and piano. First and foremost, she always accepted all of us for who we were, never to show any reservations.

At home, Marietta was a blessing to her family who provided for the well-being of her loved ones and embraced strong family values, always honoring our Italian heritage, pampering us with delicious food, company and just being surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Among those who knew her, Marietta was a loving soul and touched the hearts of so many, a devoted woman of God who has made disciples of entire generations. She will be sadly missed by all.

She is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law, Paul Pileggi, of Herkimer and Thomas Pileggi and wife, Debra, of Ilion; her cherished grandchildren, Angela Pileggi, Anthony Pileggi and wife, Katie, Michael Pileggi and wife, Kaylih, Danielle Johnson and husband, Kyle and Vanessa Perry and husband, Jarrod; her great-grandchildren, Oliver, George, Olivia, Autumn, Kaden, Casey, Judah and Sophia; her brother and sister-in-law, Louis and Nancy Antonucci; her sisters, Rosemarie Parisi and Angie Perri; her aunt, Anna Musella; her sister-in-law, Rose Servello; and many very special nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the New Life Church & Ministry Center, 337 Protection Ave., Herkimer, NY and interment will then be on the following day, Saturday, at 10:00 a.m., at Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer, where she will be laid to rest aside her beloved husband.

Family and friends may pay their respects at calling hours on Friday, September 13, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., at the New Life Church & Ministry Center and are invited to attend the Funeral Service to follow and the burial the next day at the cemetery. There will be a dinner reception after the funeral Friday evening, at the church.

Those wishing to donate in Marietta's memory may consider the New Life Church & Ministry Center. Envelopes will be available at the calling hours.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315)866-1011, under the care and guidance of Kevin Enea and Martin Ciaccia, Funeral Directors.

Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

“Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call. I turned my back and left it all.”
“I am the Light of the World. He who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12