Gail A. (Talerico) Collea

Mrs. Gail A. (Talerico) Collea age 65, of Utica, passed away peacefully at home on Monday November 15, 2021, with her loving family by her side.

Gail also known as "TeeTee" or "Snail" was born in Utica on July 17, 1956 a daughter of Irene Malachowski Talerico and the late Joseph R. Talerico. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School Class of 1974 and received her Associates Degree from MVCC.

Gail was employed with Area Wide Directory, Dallas TX. from 1979-1985. GE/Lockheed Martin from 1986-1996, and International Paper from 1996-2019 until her retirement. She was married to Jerome A. “Jerry” Collea Jr. on June 28, 2003 in Sacred Heart Church, Utica, a loving and blessed union of 18 years. Jerry and Gail enjoyed their life together wholeheartedly. They traveled to California and Florida every year, staying with family. She was a lifelong Knicks fan, a season ticket holder for the Comets and was the Karaoke Queen. She was always walking around with a video camera at family get togethers as family was everything to Gail. If you couldn’t find her at family gatherings, you’d be sure to find her upstairs playing with the kids. A gentle and loving person, she will forever live in the hearts of her family.

She is survived by her beloved husband Jerry; her loving mother Irene Talerico; her cherished children - Miranda Kipper, Jennifer (Peter) Duniec, and Michelle (Chad) Ciallelo; her beloved grandchildren - Joseph Velletto, Tyler Hocking, Mikaela Duniec, Ava and Michael Ciallelo; her loving brothers and sisters, Gary Talerico, Linda (Joseph) Sebergandio, Joseph Talerico, Michael Talerico and Michelle Talerico; her mother-in-law Emma Collea, her in-laws Susan (Patrick) Hogan, Linda (David) Fallati and Michael (Jennifer) Collea; nieces and nephews Cicily (William Church) Talerico, Brian (Beatriz) Talerico, Gary (Benjarong) Talerico, Corey Talerico, Nikole Sebergandio, Grace (Dennis) Kraffert, Gianna Talerico, Gabriela Talerico, Breanna Talerico, Steven Collea, Shelby Hogan, Kathleen Hogan, Victoria Hogan, Allison (Michael) Fanelli, Caroline Collea and Michael Collea; great nieces & nephews; Andre Talerico, Emma Rose Talerico, Alina Talerico, Isabelle Kraffert, Tanner Fanelli, and several aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her father Joseph R. Talerico, her grandparents Bertha and Joseph (Jersey) Talerico, Zygmund and Frances Malachowski and her father-in-law Jerome Collea Sr.

The family extends a special Thank You to Sharon Braunlich, Cicily Talerico, Dr. Qandah's office, Dr. Sikder's office, and Hospice Care. Inc. for their love and care given to Gail and her family during this difficult time.

The family will be dressed in purple the day of the funeral. If you would like to join us in doing so, as it was Gail's favorite color, it would be our honor to have you join us.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 11:00 am in St. Mark’s Church, Keys Rd. N. Utica with the Rev. Mark Kaminski, officiating. Private interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-7 pm at The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home Inc. 1122 Culver Ave. Face masks are recommended.

Everyone is welcome to join us on Friday at 1:30 pm after funeral services at Aqua Vino Restaurant to celebrate Gail’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Glioblastoma Research Organization 2045 Biscayne Blvd #189 Miami, FL 33137.