Carmelita Lercara

Frankfort - Mrs. Carmelita "Carm" Lercara, age 84, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, at MVHS Wynn Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Santo Stefano Quisquina, Prov. Agrigento, Italy, on June 1, 1940, Carmelita was the cherished daughter of the late Giambattista and Caterina (Mirabile) Puzzilla. It was in Italy, on September 30, 1967, that she married her beloved husband Frank (Francesco) Lercara. A devout Catholic, Carm was a lifelong communicant of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, where she found comfort and community in her faith.

Above all else, Carm’s family was her everything. She devoted her life to nurturing her children and her husband, cherishing her loved ones, and creating a legacy of love, strength, and compassion.

Carm was predeceased by her beloved and devoted husband, Frank (Francesco) Lercara; her cherished uncle, Felice Mirabile; her parents, Jonathan and Catherine (Mirabile) Puzzilla; infant sister Carmelita; her in-laws Vincenzo and Maria (Mirabile) Lercara; her sister-in-law Lia Favata and extended family in Italy.

She leaves behind her cherished family, including her three sons and her daughter-in-law, Vincent "Vinny" and Deanna, John, and Frank "Frankie," Jr.; her cherished aunt, Angela Mirabile; her brother-in-law, Carmelo and Maria Lercara of Italy; her niece, Gabriella Lercara Corradine and her family of Italy; her brother-in-law, Gaetano Favata, and children Ignazio, Daniela, and Sara and their families, all of Italy; her cousins Lia and Francesco Traina and family, Mirella and Angelo Gaetani Liseo and family, Franco and Anne Mirabile and family, and Elena and Michael Basso and family; her sister Martha "Matia" Laura and family and her extended family in Italy.

A special mention is made of Patty (Patricia) Gillen, a devoted and loving friend who shared countless moments of joy, laughter, and support with Carm throughout the years.
Carm’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Hahn and his incredible team in the Trauma Unit at MVHS Wynn Hospital, as well as to the dedicated professionals at MOVAC. Your compassion, skill, and kindness provided comfort and strength during a profoundly difficult time, and your care will never be forgotten.

Carm’s warmth, kindness, and devotion to her family and faith will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her home was always open, her table always full, and her heart endlessly giving.
Friends and family may call on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego Street, Ilion. A Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be offered on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, 412 S. Frankfort Street, with Father Paul Catena officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Carm’s memory to MOVAC, 15 NY-5S, Mohawk, NY 13407 or to an animal shelter of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To leave condolences for Carm's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com