Julia Uvino

Julia Uvino passed away peacefully on May 28, 2011. Beloved wife of (the late) Rosario (Sal) Uvino. Devoted mother of (the late) Mary Louise Rutigliano (nee Uvino) and (the late) Lewis Uvino. Appreciative mother-in-law of Virginia Uvino. Dedicated grandmother of: Anthony Rutigliano, Stephen Rutigliano, Janine Glasheen (nee Uvino), Lawrence Uvino, Alfred Giardullo, Lisa Humburg (nee Giardullo), Sally Boyarski (nee Giardullo) and Paula Mulvey (nee Giardullo). Affectionate great-grandmother of Stephen, Nicholas and Jennifer Rutigliano; Julianne, Lauren and Jacqueline Glasheen; Samantha and Deanna Uvino; Antoinette and Joseph Giardullo; Scott Matthew, Steven, Samantha, Jessica and Jenna Humburg; Jarrett Boyarski; Virginia and John Mulvey. Family and friends may visit Tuesday, May 31st from 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm at R. Stutzmann & Son, 2000 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park. Funeral mass will be held Wednesday June 1st, 9:15am, at Notre Dame RC Church, New Hyde Park. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Julia Gramarossa, daughter of Maria and Stephen Gramarossa, 6th of 7 children, was born April 5, 1914, in Modgno, Bari Italy. She arrived in America after 18 days at sea in 1919. Julia was to meet Sal Uvino of Manhattan, NY employed by the US Postal Service. Julia and Sal were married on April 11, 1936 and settled in Astoria, NY, where they spent the rest of their married lives together.

Julia adored her Sal, whom she lovingly called Chicken, and they were blessed with two beautiful children, ‘Marylou’ and Lewis, as well as a very large extended family of brothers and sisters in laws, and many precious nieces and nephews, all of whom she treasured. They also enjoyed lifelong friendships developed in Astoria, which became the center of their world.

While not immune from life’s hardships, a strong and devoted family grew from the love of Julia and Sal. The love and kindness that Julia expressed to all was unconditional, throughout her long, blessed life. Over the years, all who knew her admired her strength, passion and generosity, which never wavered. Her home was the center of many happy gatherings of her brothers, her children, and their families. Love and Italian cooking were, as she would say, ‘Abunanza’ in her home. She also assumed a major role in raising her four grandchildren, when their mothers passed away way too soon.

A short time after Sal passed away in 1987, Julia moved to Manhasset Hills with Lewis and Virginia. She enjoyed her new home, which was close by her loved ones and the center of holiday gatherings and year round activities. Life continued outside the home as well, as she participated in extended family activities and enjoyed the company of her peers at the local senior citizen center. These were the years most of her great grandchildren were born, and she reveled in the joys of the newest generation of her family. Granny, now a great, great grandmother, was the matriarch of a thriving family.

Julia spent her final years at Sun Harbor Manor. She was tended to by a caring staff and skillful doctors. Her longevity was remarkable. While her mind grew frail with time, she never lost the twinkle in her clear hazel-green eyes, the softest face and hands we’ve ever felt, and her personality; the love and gentleness continued to shine through. A whole new generation got to know our Julia as the ever pleasant, peaceful, affectionate and loving woman that arrived from Bari almost 100 years ago.