Congetta Theresa Sykes

Born in Frankfort on April 28, 1930, Congetta was born to the late Francesco “Frank” and Concetta (Solaro) Carbone, the youngest of 13 siblings. She was a graduate of Frankfort High School and as a young woman began her working life at the General Electric Company at the Broad Street Radio/Receiver plant. On October 1, 1949 she married the love of her life, George D. Sykes at St. Louis Gonzaga Church with whom she shared 68 blessed years. They truly lived their nuptial vows: they loved, honored, and respected each other. She was George’s “honey bunch”. They were two humble souls living in one heart and mind, and God graced them with a life time of love.

Together in 1950 they established two successful enterprises, Sykes Superette on Whitesboro Street, a full-service store for the neighborhood, and Sykes Realty, a business that led to their roles as property owners and landlords to many area families. Their intense work ethic and compassionate nature afforded them many loyal friends and patrons in the community. Their companies were first and foremost, family-oriented. Connie was a quiet listener and she intuitively sensed and took to heart the needs of others. Her matriarchal roles as wife, mother, nana, and aunt were most revered and rewarding to Connie and those relationships were her joy, pride, and legacy. She was selfless, devoted, and genuinely sincere. She honored her family values and virtues. She was dependable and when someone was in need, “no” was never in her vocabulary. Although she had great strength of character, she was not coy; she called it as she saw it! Being in the company of family and friends, sharing a few good laughs, and of course, some good home cooking made her happiest. She enjoyed every day events, family gatherings, celebrating family traditions, and especially having everyone over for the holidays. Her children will never forget the memories made at their Otter Lake Camp with all of their cousins. She was a gracious host and extended her heartfelt hospitality to all who joined her table. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren lit up her heart and she cherished her time spent with them. She was the BEST “Mom and Nana!”

Connie loved to watch Family Feud and she always had a good answer for her children, just like Steve Harvey! They came to appreciate, as they grew older, just what a wonderful mom she was. She knew each of her children from head to toe, inside and out, and she was confident when she helped them handle their challenges. As snowbirds, they looked forward to winters in the warmth of Florida. They were blessed to have nieces and nephews residing in the “sunshine state”, so they were never alone. They made many new friends, enjoyed socializing, and all that Florida brings. Connie was a great supporter of the NY Yankees and all are hoping that she’s rooting up above for their grand victory.

Together Connie and George were on a co-ed bowling team at Pin-O-Rama, were members of the Moose Lodge, the former Sons of Italy, and the New Hartford VFW, where they would dance the night away. Connie believed in the Lord and prayed to him for strength and courage.

Connie is survived by her honey, George; her beloved children, Paula and Gene Bianco, David Sykes Sr. and Georgianne “Gigi” Sykes and fiancé Jeff Allen; her grandchildren, Matthew Bianco and Lianna Bianco, and Genae Bianco and Anthony Panzone; David Jr. and Mary Sykes and his mother Cindy Sykes, Nicole Sykes and fiancé Jeff Thrasher; Derek Sykes, Jenna Sykes, and their mother Gina Grande; and her great-grandchildren, Savino Bianco, Kylie, and Kaeden Barry; David III, Davin, and Bella Sykes, and Katryna Congdon; Michael, and Myla Thrasher. She was beloved Aunt Connie and a second mother to her special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; cousins, and godchildren. She also leaves her sisters-in-law, Victoria Carbone, and Helen Carbone. She knew the love of her extended family, Bill, Lisa, and Amanda Fridley who were very attentive to her; and her dear friends, Carol Perry, Cindy Sykes, Carolyn Battelene, and Lillian Mody who were there for her in love and support. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Jean Carbone, Michael and Mary Carbone, Vincent “Jim” and Dorothy Carbone, Dominick and Sadye Carbone, Peter Carbone, Fred Carbone, Rocco and Rosemary Carbone, and Frank Carbone Jr.; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Rita and Coleman Comito, Anna and Joseph Castellano, Catherine and Ercole “Hinko” Gualillo; and her in-laws, Marion Srour-Sherwood, Florence and Emilio “Gooch” Julian; and Albert Sr. and Thelma Sykes.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care given by Dr. Prabhat Ahluwalia; Dr. Edward Kaplan and the South Florida Radiation Oncology personnel; and her caregivers, Diana, Penny, Fredricka, Marrilee, Tonya, Nicole, and Kitty. She was preceded by her caregiver Kathy Mastrangelo who was beloved by the family.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave, Utica, NY. By family request, please omit floral arrangements. Connie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. It was a request of Connie’s to go home to the house that her husband built her, therefore her procession will pass her home en route to Calvary Cemetery where committal prayers will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum Chapel followed by Interment in Calvary Cemetery.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (954) 565-5591