Finita Mary Paternoster

E. UTICA - Finita Mary (Mancuso) Paternoster, age 74, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, after a prolonged hospital stay. Finita was born on November 13, 1950, in Utica, NY, to Robert and Nancy (DeSimone). Mancuso. She was educated locally and graduated from Thomas R. Proctor High School in 1968. She continued her education at Utica College, where she earned a master's degree in education. After college, she married Frank Paternoster and moved to Syracuse, where she taught at St. John the Baptist Junior High School for several years before returning to Utica where she gave birth to her two sons, Dominick, and Frank Paternoster. Later, she owned and operated Dairy Cream in Utica. After many years of self-employment, she continued her career in Child Protective Services for Oneida County. Finita was known among family and friends for her superior cooking abilities. Finita is survived by her son, Frank (Renae) Paternoster, and their children Elijah, and Scarlett; grandchildren, Amelia, Grace, and Dominick Paternoster; brothers, Paul (Sandra) Mancuso, Robert (Susan) Mancuso, James Mancuso, and Michael (Michelle) Mancuso; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Finita was predeceased by her mother and father; and beloved son, Dominick Anthony Paternoster. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Finita's Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Inurnment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. This obituary has been lovingly written by Finita's family.