Lucille (Galasso) Blando

Mrs. Lucille Blando age 100, passed away on Friday May 26, 2023, after a brief illness with her loving family by her side.

She was born on her grandparents, farm in Marcy, NY on June 20, 1922, a daughter of the late Paul and Marietta Palmero Galasso. After her birth the family moved to Brooklyn, NY for 10 years before returning to Utica. Lucille was a 1940 graduate of TR Proctor High School, where she sang in the choir and competed throughout NYS. She then furthered her voice career and studied at Parker Studios for Classical Voice Training for over 12 years, where she became an exceptional vocalist. She also attended the Utica School of Beauty Culture and Utica College attaining her Cosmetology License. On April 7, 1943, in St. Anthony of Padua Church, she married her high school sweetheart Anthony T. Blando, a loving and devoted union of 48 years, until his passing in 1991. Upon their marriage the couple resided in Midland Texas, where Anthony was stationed during WW11. During the War, Lucille sang for the USO in Midland, TX and Broadcasted live for the USO shows throughout WW11. Upon returning to Utica, Lucille began a 40 year career, as a Teacher of Cosmetology with the Utica School of Beauty Culture, Mohawk Beauty School, and BOCES in New Hartford. During that time, she also maintained her musical career and was requested to sing at many weddings and events in the Utica area and beyond. A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, her family will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

Surviving are two sons Dr. Paul and wife Ursula Blando of FL. and Dr. Thomas Blando of Deerfield; her daughter and son-in-law Susan and Atty. John Nasto, Esq. of Oneida; daughter-in-law Debbie Blando of Utica; her beloved grandchildren Nicole Nasto-Levesque, Dr. Matthew Blando, Meredith and Joseph Chevrette, Brittany and Collins Farhat and Taylor and Ryan Wittig; beloved great grandchildren, Max Blando, Poppy Farhat, Vincent Blando, Dalton and Neve Wittig and Aria Nasto-Levesque,  and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves her extended family Bob Nasto and Mary Nasto whose love and devotion was constant to Lucille throughout the years.

Visitation will be Sunday June 4, from 3-5 pm at The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home Inc. 1122 Culver Ave. Utica. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday June 5, at 11:00 am in St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church, Utica. Private entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt Thank You, to Dr. Mike McNulty, Dr. Charles Eldredge and Dr. Brian Gaffney who went above and beyond for Lucille’s well being. Also a special Thank You

to Joanne Fanelli Babiarz whom Lucille called her “Special Angel”.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lucille’s name may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital at stjude.org. Envelopes will also be available at services.