Audrey J. Manolescu

Audrey (Padykula) Manolescu, age 83, of Utica, passed away on Friday July 25, 2025, at the Abraham House in Utica, with the love of family and friends in her heart.

She was born in Utica on February 1, 1942, a daughter of the late Thomas and Julia Macior Padykula, and was educated in local schools having graduated from UFA High School in 1959 and later completed business courses at MVCC.

Audrey was self-employed most of her life, having owned her own house cleaning and floral design businesses. She then took a position at Sacred Heart Church as the housekeeper and cook, until her retirement.

Audrey was involved for many years volunteering her time and artistic talents in community organizations including the Ladies Guild at Sacred Heart Church, the Yorkville Volunteer Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary, the VFW, and several Festival of Trees charity fundraisers. Known for being a lifelong Elvis Presley fan, Audrey enjoyed listening to his music, taking a trip to Graceland, and collecting memorabilia. She also loved sharing the love of Elvis with her nephew Tommy Padykula.

Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law Kim and Bill Zeoli of Mass., her son David Manolescu of Mass.; three granddaughters Sabrina Zeoli, Brooke Manolescu and Breanna Maciag; her sister and brother-in-law Darleen and Dr. John VanSlyke of Clinton; her brother Donald Padykula of New Hartford; her best friend Karen Falatico of Yorkville; along with several dear nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. They will forever hold Audrey’s memory in their hearts.

She was predeceased by her brother Ronald Padykula, her dear companion of many years Carmen Durante, and former spouse Ronald Manolescu who she married in 1960.

Visitation will be held on Monday August 4, 2025, from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at The Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Avenue. Funeral service prayers will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 12:00 pm in the funeral home. Private entombment will be with her mom and dad in Holy Trinity Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Audrey may be made to the Abraham House https://www.theabrahamhouse.org/ways-to-support/donate/ to help others have a special caring home at the end of their life.