Leona Marie (Klein) Critelli

Leona M. (Klein-Joslin) Critelli age 85, of Utica passed away on Friday June 9, 2023, with the love of her family in her heart, at the Sitrin Rehabilitation Center.

She was born in Utica on October 4, 1937, a daughter of the late Mauricio and Velma Klein Mario. Leona also knew the love of her grandmother Eva Klein, who adopted Lee in 1946, upon the death of her parents. She was educated locally and was a 1956 graduate of TR Proctor High School. On July 2, 1976, she was married to Louis R. Critelli, a union of dedicated love and blessed with 46 years of marriage.

Leona’s work experience included 2 years as a secretary at the IBEW #43 Electrical Union, she then was employed with the City of Utica Codes Dept. under Mayor Dominick Assaro from 1968-1972. She completed her work career as a Customer Rep. with the Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., working for over 12 years until her retirement.

Leona was a dedicated reader of a wide variety of books which covered biographies, medical subjects of all types, historical events and famous people. After reading them once or more she would gift them to other readers. Lee was a generous soul and also gifted her cooking and food to many friends in our apartment building, “Academy at Southgate”.

Surviving are her beloved husband, Louis; her daughter Lorraine (Joslin) Dominick and her son Douglas M. Joslin; her cherished grandson Joseph Dominick; her stepchildren Steven and Dorian Critelli, David and Barbara Critelli and Jayne Critelli and their children Kyle Critelli, Dana and Matt Wrigley and daughter Lilah Abagail, Dr. Kristen Critelli and husband Jason North, Lauren Critelli, Michael Critelli and Lindsay Critelli Lucas; her sisters-in-law Gloria Giglio, Patricia and husband Anthony Calenzo and Deanna Still. She was predeceased by her son-in-law Nick Dominick.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with The Rev. Joseph Salerno officiating. Private entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

The family is grateful for the care received at the Sitrin Rehabilitation Center. Leona required much support from the staff, nurses and aides. We are sure they will remember her smile and the frequent “I Love You”, to those that tended to her needs.