Mary DeMarco Gangemi passed away after a short illness on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, at the age of 91. Predeceased by her loving parents, Frank and Gladys DeMarco, infant brother Frankie, brother Vincent, sister Genevieve Ensminger and son-in-law Christopher Tanski. Mary is survived by her caring and devoted husband of 71 years, Tim Gangemi; loving children: Barbara J. Tanski, Patricia (Robert) Luckenbaugh, and Thomas (Julie) Gangemi; and sister-in-law, Roseanne Rossi. She is also survived by five of the world’s best grandchildren,: Dr. Christopher Tanski (Fiancée Holly Chapman), Heather (Adam) Engels, Andrew T. Gangemi, Kimberly R. Vassenelli, and Nicole A. Vassenelli (companion Justin Stewart) who were the shining lights in her life.
Mary was born and raised on the North side of Syracuse and graduated from North High School. It was there she met and fell in love with her husband Tim. They were married on Aug. 17, 1946, five months after he completed his active duty in the U.S. Navy. After her youngest was in junior high school, Mary worked as a secretary in the North Syracuse School District for 19 years.
Mary was involved with her neighborhood home bureau. She excelled at many things including holiday displays. She loved sewing, cooking and baking cookies, cakes and pies for the holidays. She also enjoyed trips to Florida with her husband to visit her sister’s family and Yankees baseball spring training. Mary also enjoyed St. Margaret’s bingo, ceramics, crossword puzzles and being proud of her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed helping her husband with his many projects around the house.
Friends called from 9 to11 a.m. on Monday at St. Margaret’s Church, 203 Roxboro Rd., Mattydale. Calling hours were followed by a mass of Christian burial in celebration of Mary’s life at St. Margaret’s. Burial will be in North Syracuse Cemetery.
Mary’s family would like to thank the hospice nurses Naomi and Cathy for their concern, care and compassion. Donations in honor of Mary can be made to St. Margaret’s School, 203 Roxboro Road, Mattydale, NY 13211 or to Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North St., Liverpool, NY 13088.