Barbara A. Maiello

Maiello, Barbara A. LATHAM Barbara A. Maiello, 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 5, 2017, with her family by her side. Barbara was born on December 16, 1940, a daughter of the late Edward and Anna E. Diodati in Troy. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Anthony F. Maiello; her children, Joseph E. Maiello, Marc A. (Crista) Maiello, Lisa DeCelle, Andrea (Charles) Jung; grandchildren, Kristen DeCelle, Kevin DeCelle, Kristin Lagace, Dominic Maiello, Matthew Maiello, Brian Maiello; sister, Shirley (John) Warn; brother-in-law, Albert (Patricia) Maiello; sister-in-law, Ida Willig and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Irene Maiello; grandson, Nicholas DeCelle; brother, Edward Walter Diodati. Barbara graduated from Averill Park High School, where she enjoyed much of her early childhood living in the country on old Route 66. After high school, Barbara worked at R.P.I. as a secretary, when a close girlfriend introduced her to a handsome young man, who would soon be her partner in life. Barb and Tony met in 1960, after his soccer game in Schenectady's Central Park, and married in 1961, together ever since, making a beautiful life for their family in Latham. Barb will be remembered by most as a natural caretaker; her role as homemaker, mom, grandma was her number one priority and passion. She followed her children and her grandchildren's interests closely; especially the after school sports events. You could always find her in the bleachers cheering them on at any one of their games. She loved her grandchildren dearly and played a huge role in their care in their younger years. This loving and caring personality was the perfect match for her future jobs. Starting with being a room mother and volunteer lunch aide at the kids elementary school, where she was lovingly known by all as "Mom." From there she worked as a nurse's aide at Our Lady of Hope Residence, and finally as a cook at an afterschool program for youth at risk. A role she cherished until she retired, as Barb was an excellent cook, and her natural ability to show love and affection to everyone was particularly helpful to help these children in need. Barb was an avid sports fan and in particular loved to watch her New York Giants football. She was a competitive bocce ball player and enjoyed playing with Tony for over 25 years as members of the Italian Community Center in Troy. The I.C.C. was a big part of Barb and Tony's volunteer and social life. In the past couple years, Barb enjoyed spending as much time as she could with her family, and any activities that brought her close with others, doing puzzles, playing Bingo, going to the Racino and just listening and helping others whenever she could. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff and all of Barb's friends, at Schuyler Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center, for their kindness and compassion during Barbara's time there. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 10, at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of The Assumption Catholic Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 9, from 4-8 p.m. at New Comer Funerals & Cremations, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet. Interment will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation National Office, 1355 Peachtree St. NE Suite 600, Atlanta GA 30309. To leave a special message for the family online please visit NewcomerAlbany.com.