Joan (Capra) LaBella

Mrs. Joan (Capra) LaBella, age 86, of Utica, passed away on Saturday May 28, 2022, surrounded by the love of her family.

Joan was born in Utica on January 17, 1936, a daughter of the late Peter and Cora Julian Capra. On September 29, 1956, she married the true love of her life, Nicholas D. LaBella in Blessed Sacrament Church.  They were blessed with a loving   union of 62 years, until his passing on February 13, 2019.

Joan’s greatest joy in life was her family. Her strength, wisdom, beauty and love for family was paramount and she instilled those traits in her children and grandchildren. As a testament to this, Joan’s 8th great grandchild was born hours before her entrance through heaven’s gate. Her spunk and vitality will be missed – to honor her, enjoy a martini straight up with a twist!

Surviving are her daughter Judy Galimo; two sons and daughters-in-law Daniel N. and Allene LaBella and Nicholas A. and Jodianne LaBella; her cherished grandchildren Michael Galimo, Julian Rose Galimo, Dominick Galimo & Jordyn Dunlap; Cosmina and Lance Schulman, Danielle and Peter Padula, Tressa LaBella (UFD) & Ashleigh Moorehead; Nicolina and Al Castilla (UPD), Nicholas Daniel LaBella & Morgan Manfredo; Nicholas Salvatore LaBella and Daniel LaBella; her adored great grandchildren Nina, Peter and Nella Padula; Daniel, Zachary and Janice Schulman and Alexander and Daniel Castilla. She also leaves her nieces Debby Dodge, Rosemary and Dr. Fred Talarico and her son Michael along with many other nieces, nephews from the Geragi and Capra Families. A special thank you to a dear friend Joan Collins and God daughter Rosemary Morrissey. She was predeceased by her son-in-law Michael F. Galimo, her sister and brother in-law Marie and Nicholas Geragi and her brother and sister in-law Joseph and Florence Capra.

Joan’s Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Thursday at 12:00 noon at Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of mass in church. Private interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Please omit floral donations.