Carmella “Connie” Guidarelli

Carmella “Connie” Philomena Mary Guidarelli, lifelong resident of Schenectady, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 4th. She lived 101 glorious years.

Born in Mechanicville, daughter of the late Michael and Catherine Carriero LaVigna.  Connie was a homemaker, who over the years held a number of jobs, including the Schenectady Glove Manufacturer Co., Hallmark, Niskayuna High School, and Guidarelli’s Liquor Store. 

She was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. She enjoyed listening to music, going to the theatre, movies, bowling, dancing, playing slots at the casino, playing cards with her friends, traveling, and loved watching her son sing in his band.  She had a standing nightly date watching Family Feud and “her boyfriend” Steve Harvey. She read the Schenectady Gazette seven days a week, top to bottom, front to back, always with a cup of coffee in her hand. She complained that The Sunday Gazette took too much time to read and was always annoyed with all the circulars. Some of her favorite pastimes were Wonder Word puzzles, Solitaire, Pinochle, and Go Fish. Of all the things she loved, the thing that brought her the most joy was being in her kitchen cooking for her family. Sunday dinners were most looked forward to. Macaroni, meatballs, sausage, pork, and braciole with THE BEST sauce in the world along with chicken, potatoes, salad, bread, fruit and a dessert that would be some combination of cream puffs/pies/cakes. And it wouldn’t be a meal if the words “you people can’t finish this?” weren’t spoken as we were all sitting there ready to burst!! Of course, we rallied and obliged.

Connie’s commitment to her family was unsurpassed. She loved visiting her siblings in Mechanicville where there would be music, tons of food, bocce ball, and much laughter. Her life was especially fulfilled by her 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Her husband of 35 years, Joseph, passed away on November 4, 1976.  She was also predeceased by grandson Matthew Guidarelli and siblings Peter, Patrick and Frank LaVigna, Christine Parante, Margaret Gemmiti, and Mary Canonica.

Survivors include her beloved daughters Carol Guidarelli of Scottsdale, AZ and Kathy Arthur of Port Orange, FL and her “can do no wrong favorite (only)” son Michael (Jamie) Guidarelli of Niskayuna, NY; along with joyfully being called gramma and gram by “my Debbie” Deborah Guidarelli (Aaron) Ambrad of Paradise Valley, AZ; Michelle (Michael) Fiano of Rotterdam, NY; Cristal (Ron) Slater of Niskayuna, NY; Rachel (John) Maynard of Niskayuna, NY; Justin (Karen) Arthur of Duluth, GA; Heather (Ralph) Zade of Ellicott City, MD; and Eddie Arthur of Fort Collins, CO. She was also great gramma to Joshua, Antonio, Hannah, Stella, Zoe, Logan and baby Valentino on the way.

Connie created the most beautiful family. One filled with so much love and laughter. She was our Matriarch, our Queen, and now she is our Angel. You will be forever remembered, cherished, and celebrated. We love and miss you.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Community Hospice of Schenectady. The care, compassion, and support that was given to Carmella and her entire family will never be forgotten.

Private services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

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