Irene "Rita" Damiano

Mrs. Irene “Rita” (Leone) Damiano, age 86, of Utica, passed away on Sunday May 31, 2026, at the Rome Health Center, with the love of her family in her heart.

She was born in Utica on August 7, 1939, a daughter of the late Frank and Anna Marie Encarnacio Leone, and was educated in local schools.

On May 17, 1958, she was joined in marriage to Peter L. Damiano Sr. in St. Francis deSales Church, a blessed union of 45 years until his passing May 9, 2003.

Rita was a loving and devoted homemaker to her family, and a generous giver to many charitable organizations. She was a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church.

Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Rose and Lewis Brood, of Utica; two sons and daughters-in-law, Peter L. Jr. and Tina Damiano of Remsen, and Michael and Kathy Damiano of Utica; her beloved grandchildren, Shannon, Peter J., Gary Jr., Christopher, Peter G., Steven, Ted, Danielle, Miranda, Brianna, Michael, Anthony and Dillon; many beloved great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters, Ann Lottermoser and Vita Dunn; one brother, Frank Leone; and several in-laws.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family with interment to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Utica.

Funeral arrangements are with The Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave., Utica.