Angela (Nole) DeBella

Angela N. DeBella, 90, of New Hartford, New York, passed away on Saturday May 14, 2022, at the Presbyterian Home with her beloved family at her side.

Angela was born in Utica, New York, on June 28, 1931, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Angeline (Graziadei) Nole.  She was educated in local schools having graduated from T.R. Proctor High School, Class of 1949.

Angela’s career as a secretary began at General Electric, followed by the Oneida County Welfare Department and continued to the City of Utica, where she would spend most of her years, dedicated to supporting and working tirelessly for her political party.  She was passionate and captivated by the political process and electing candidates that had the same honor and respect for their country as she did.  She reflected often on her enthusiasm when she was part of the campaign committee to elect President John F. Kennedy.  She found great pleasure being part of the committees that assisted in promoting and fundraising for political candidates.  Throughout her political career she had the privilege of meeting and campaigning for many elected officials in New York State, and nationally, memories she cherished and shared with us often.  In Angela’s later years she would return to her roots, working at T.R. Proctor H.S. as Executive Secretary to the Principal, a position which she was honored to hold.  It gave her great pleasure to see the young minds of children starting out with great ambitions, hopes and dreams.

Angela spent her leisure time on committees that she felt would make a difference; Secretary of the City of Utica Democratic Committee, Committee Person, Leonard Capuana Scholarship Board, Democratic Women’s Club, West Utica Democratic Club, Inc., and the Laurenzana Family Reunion Committee.  Angela was also a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Parish.

Throughout Angela’s life she reveled in entertaining family and friends, no matter the time of day, her door was always open; macaroni at midnight was never out of the ordinary, actually, Angela was not ordinary, her zest for life always made her the life of the party.  She dared to be different, even at a time when it was not fashionable, she was led through life by her ambitions to be heard and recognized, and that she truly was, right down to her signature tube of lipstick!

Angela honored her Italian traditions and instilled the need for them to be carried onto future generations.  Angela was instrumental in planning several family reunions throughout the years, she felt it was important for generations to come together to create a strong foundation of “family” and the importance family plays in our lives.

Angela’s greatest joy in life came from the gift of four daughters, she had a unique relationship with each one.  She taught them to be strong, determined, and passionate in whatever was their path.  It was important to never look back and always be where you could make a difference, in good times and in difficult times.  Angela was double blessed upon the arrival of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was their beloved “Nonnie” and “Big Nonnie”, as they would state “a very cool Nonnie.”  She shared many happy days with them, they each have their own special story of “A Day with their Nonnie.”  She was so proud of all their accomplishments, and she loved them dearly.

Angela also enjoyed the time spent with her brother and sisters and their families; family holidays with her brother, vacationing to Maine, where her sister Carol resided was always a special time and traveling with her sister Carmela always made for the best stories!  Angela also had many cherished memories of traveling with her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Anthony and Shirley DeBella, especially to Singapore where they visited her niece and nephew.  Anthony and Shirley also spent many days visiting her and lifting her spirits while in the Presbyterian Home, they brought her much happiness and abundant love.

Angela was a woman of substance, she was both driven and fierce, even in the face of adversity she remained true to herself.  It was a long and challenging journey, but she is now safely home. “Be Still Our Hearts”

Angela is survived by her daughters and their spouses; Bonnie Tringo Sanchez (Jose’), Elizabeth Tringo DeBella (Lisa) and Jamie DeBella Valenzi (Vaughn); and remembering her beloved daughter Judiann DeBella who predeceased her.  Grandchildren, Vincent Sardino, Tiffany Sardino Lupia (Michael), Vito Nicolino Valenzi; Great Grandchildren, Charlotte Lupia, Carmine Lupia, Roman Sardino, Glorianna Cabassa Sardino. Sister, Carol Caprara (Maine), Brothers-in-law and Sister-in-law, Anthony and Shirley DeBella and Martin DeBella.  At one time she was married to Benjamin Tringo and James A. DeBella Sr.  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins from the Nole, Graziadei, Tringo and DeBella families and many special friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Nicholas and Angeline (Graziadei) Nole, brother and sister-in-law, Victor and Margaret (Bunny) Nole, sister, Carmela Melchiore, brother-in-law, Victor Caprara and nephew, Christoper Caprara.

The family would like to thank the Presbyterian Home and Services, for their many years of kindness shown to our Mom, especially acknowledging her “Earth Angel”, Sue Peck, who was our Mom’s ray of sunshine, her compassion and care for our Mom and all our family was a blessing, we will be forever grateful.

“As Time Goes By”, we will never forget you, our dearest Mother, we will see you again on the other side of the rainbow.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-7 pm at The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home Inc. 1122 Culver Ave., Utica. Her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday at 1:00 pm in St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church, Utica. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In memory of Angela, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Foundation.