CONCEPTA ‘CONNIE” ZUMBO CAEZZA
WESTON, MA – Concepta "Connie" Zumbo Caezza, age 88, of 135 North Avenue, Weston, MA, and formerly of Morrisville, NY, died on November 9, 2014, following a long illness, with her loving family by her side.
She was born on February 28, 1926, in Albany, NY, the daughter of Orazio and Kathleen Waldo Zumbo.
Connie spent her early years growing up in Albany, before she and her parents moved to Canastota in 1933. She graduated with honors from Canastota Central School in 1943, following a career where she was active in a variety of school activities which included school musicals and student government. In 1942, following her junior year, she was elected to be the Madison County Delegate to the second annual Empire Girls State, where she participated in a mock state government. Connie went on to attend the State University of Albany, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in French with a minor in Spanish. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in language from the University of Magill in Montreal, Canada.
She taught French, Spanish, and English for over 40 years. Connie was first employed at Holland Patent Central School, where she met her husband, John. She later taught at Staley Junior High in Rome, and Morrisville Eaton Central School. Connie retired from Canastota Central School, her high school alma mater, in 1987.
Connie had been a member of the American Association of Language Teachers. She was a past member and President of the Holland Patent School Faculty Association, and of the 4th Supervisory District, Oneida Teachers’ Association. Connie was, also, a former member of the Woman’s Honorary Educators Society, Delta Kappa Gamma. She was an active member of the Morrisville Wednesday Club, and Friends of the Morrisville Library.
She had been a member of St. Joan of Arc Church in Morrisville, and a member and President of its Parish Council.
Connie had a passion for reading. She completed the crossword puzzle found in the Post Standard everyday. She loved to travel and to explore. Connie enjoyed flower gardening, playing bridge with her friends and bird watching. She loved to sing and listen to music of any kind. Connie adored her grandchildren.
She married John F. Caezza on August 22, 1953, in Canastota. They were married for 55 years at the time he died on January 7, 2009.
Connie is survived by her children and their spouses: John O. and Dianne Caezza of Farmington, CT; Kathleen Caezza and Dora Iles of Oneida, NY; Mary (Caezza) and Jon Mills of Waltham, MA; and her grandchildren – the lights of her life, Christopher, Jennifer, Jordan and Jamie Mills of Waltham, MA; John Charles and Tomas Caezza of Farmington, CT. She is, also, survived by her sisters-in-law, Shirley Caezza of Aurora, CO, and Theresa Biviano of Norwich, NY; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, November 13, 2014, at St. Agatha’s Church, Canastota, where a funeral mass will be held. The Rev. Stephen P. Wirkes will officiate. Burial will be in St, Agatha’s Cemetery, Canastota. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota, NY. In her memory, contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413, with envelopes available at the funeral home.