Millie Eisland

Millie Eisland, at the age of 81, departed this life, at Wynn Hospital, on Friday, February 6, 2026, after a long courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Utica, NY, the daughter of the late Thomas and Angela (Grieco) Blando. She was educated in New Hartford Central Schools. Millie furthered her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Millie worked and co-owned North Motor Equipment, with her brother, Tom Blando, for many years, as well as Utica Carting Company with her cousin, Paul Blando. She helped build ad operate Marcy Excavation Company and was featured in State Magazine which was a huge accomplishment for a woman in that industry.

Millie was one that did not sit idly and at the age 74, took a position with the Department of Social Services and worked in child support, where countless friends will sadly miss her.

Millie grew up in a Sicilian Catholic family and later converted to the Jewish faith.

At one time, she was President of Temple Emanu-El, President of the Sisterhood, Religious School Secretary and she organized numerous highly successful rummage sales. With her acute business savvy, she operated the Temple Judaica Shop.

She was the Matriarch of the Blando family, where Millie believed everyone was entitled to HER opinion.

She is survived by her sisters, Ann Pinna (John) and Paula Schlegel (Marty); brother, Tom Blando (Jan); sons, Marc Eisland and his wife, Michele, Seth Eisland and his fiancé, Rebecca; grandchildren, Angela Lucia, Rylynn, Adreeana, Derick, Michael Anthony, Michael Paul, Alina, Troy, Jake and Tyler; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Milo, Baby Michael, Princess YahYah, Rowan, Giovanni and Avery.

She was predeceased by a grandson, Rooster Eisland.

Millie was a mother, father, grandmother, sister, consigliere and best friend.

We were raised by a woman who deserved far more than life ever gave her and we carry that deep in our hearts.

Services will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Temple Emanu-El, 2710 Genesee St., Utica, where Rabbi Peter Schaktman will officiate. There will be a time to greet the family, from 10-11 a.m., prior to the Service.

Arrangements are under the guidance of John L. Matt Funeral Home, Chadwicks, NY. To send an online greeting go to www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com.

Millie was one that did not sit idly and at the age 74, took a position with the Department of Social Services and worked in child support, where countless friends will sadly miss her.

Millie grew up in a Sicilian Catholic family and later converted to the Jewish faith.

At one time, she was President of Temple Emanu-El, President of the Sisterhood, Religious School Secretary and she organized numerous highly successful rummage sales. With her acute business savvy, she operated the Temple Judaica Shop.

She was the Matriarch of the Blando family, where Millie believed everyone was entitled to HER opinion.

She is survived by her sisters, Ann Pinna (John) and Paula Schlegel (Marty); brother, Tom Blando (Jan); sons, Marc Eisland and his wife, Michelle, Seth Eisland and his fiancé, Rebecca; grandchildren, Angela Lucia, Rylynn, Adreeana, Derick, Michael Anthony, Michael Paul, Alina, Troy, Jake and Tyler; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Milo, Baby Michael, Princess YahYah Rowan, Giovanni and Avery.

Millie was a mother, father, grandmother, sister, consigliere and best friend.

We were raised by a woman who deserved far more than life ever gave her and we carry that deep in our hearts.

Services will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Temple Emanu-El, 2710 Genesee St., Utica, where Rabbi Peter Schaktman will officiate. There will be a time to greet the family, from 10-11 a.m., prior to the Service.

Arrangements are under the guidance of John L. Matt Funeral Home, Chadwicks, NY. To send an online greeting go to www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com.