Michelina "Mickey" Dellefave

SENECA FALLS - Michelina (Mickey) Dellefave, 98 years young, of Seneca Falls, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at home surrounded by her devoted family. She lived a full and active life which revolved around her faith, family, and friends.

Mickey was born in Giano Vetusto, Italy on February 15, 1927, the oldest child of Franceso and Giovanna (Feola) Mercone. In 1939, with WW2 looming, the Mercone family immigrated to the United States, arriving through the port of New York, on October 19th, 1939, where her Mercone family name was changed to Marconi. A plaque at the America Immigrant Wall of Honor at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum commemorates their journey. After settling in Ithaca, N.Y., the family moved to Seneca Falls, N.Y., where Mickey lived among family and friends, and in close proximity to her church for the remainder of her life.

As a young girl she worked at both the former Sinicropi and DiTotto Florist and Nursery on Oak Street where she developed her love of flowers and gardening, and at the Seneca Knitting Mill and later at the Ginsberg Clothing Factory which provided her with the knowledge and skills to become a talented and respected seamstress.

She married her beloved John A. Dellefave in 1958 and in doing so became a stepmother to her children, Anthony and Diane, whom she loved dearly.

In addition to being a homemaker known for her cooking, gardening, and sewing skills, she also worked at the former Carmel's Dress Shop on Fall Street, much to the delight of her granddaughters and nieces. Mickey's commitment to the community of Seneca Falls included her volunteer work at the former Seneca Falls Hospital, St. Patrick's Parish, and the St. Anthony's Committee. She was an active member of the Rumseyville Sportsman's Club Auxiliary, Seneca Falls Country Club, Seneca Falls Historical Society, and the American Legion. Together with her sister-in-law, Anne Marconi, she started the infamous local "Red Hatters" group which met regularly for four decades of lunches, laughter, food, and friendship. In 2015, she was the first recipient of the Seneca Falls Antonio Varacalli Award, recognizing her courage, kindness, citizenship, and dedication to her community.

Mickey was predeceased by her parents, her husband John who died in 1989, her stepdaughter Diane Dellefave Jones, and her brother Anthony Marconi. She is survived by her stepson, Anthony (Rose) Dellefave; son-in-law, George Jones; and sister-in-law, Anne Marconi. "Gram" leaves her legacy for her grandchildren: Keith (Erica) Jones of Baldwinsville, Josie (Ken) Kabat of Seneca Falls, Mike (Maureen) Dellefave of Syracuse; Deb Chaney of Boone, NC, and Dorothy Dellefave (John Green) of Camillus, NY. "Aunt Mick" is survived by her nieces, Maria Marconi of Penfield, N.Y., Michele Marconi (Steve Nearpass) and Angela Marconi Reardon of Seneca Falls, and Lisa (Alan) Bishop of Canandaigua, NY. She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Christian and Carter Jones, Nick (Nicole) Dellefave, Allison (Luke) Parker, Lieutenant Mark Dellefave (USN), Troy and Jesse Kabat, and Kaitlyn and Andrew McLaughlin. She is survived by grand-nieces and nephews Jenna Lyons (Christian Rivera), Andrew and Colleen Bishop, and Connor and Matthew Readon. A recent addition making three generations, Mickey is also survived by great-great-grandson, Owen Parker.

Her family would like to thank her neighbors, friends, family, and especially caregiver, Roseanne Knight, Angel Lyons, and Karen Picchi, all of whom provided invaluable support and care for her these past few months. For donations in Mickey's memory, please consider St. Patrick's Church, Rumseyville Sportsman's Club, or a charity of your choice. Lastly, Mickey's wishes are for all to hold her famous Friday Night Happy Hours with family and friends.

Calling hours will be from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14 at Doran Funeral Home, 4 East Bayard St., Seneca Falls. Her funeral mass at St. Patrick's Church will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 15. Interment immediately following mass in St Columbkille Cemetery.

Mickey's official obituary can be found at DoranFuneralHome.com