Marion T. (Reginelli) Camardo

Marion T. Reginelli Camardo passed November 1, 2023, at the age of 94. She waited for her entire family to be at her side, and to be given her last rites by Father Lioi before she passed. Marion was a strong-willed woman that fought through many recent health related complications, solely because she truly wanted to be with her family. She always insisted that one should never give up hope no matter how difficult the road in life turns out to be. She left us on All Saints Day, a fitting day to be welcomed into the arms of our Lord.

Marion was born in East Rochester, N.Y. to Ralph and Argerinda Reginelli on August 28, 1929, and lived most of her life in Auburn, N.Y.

Marion graduated from Central High School, and then went to work for several top clothing stores in downtown Auburn. While working at Steven’s Department Store on State Street Marion was promoted to a manager and a buyer of clothing for the store, developing a flair for fashion design that carried over to her husband and family, insisting on dressing for success which became her legacy. Marion was always elegantly dressed, right up until the day she died.

Marion married Prof. Joseph A.M. Camardo on August 27, 1955, and together raised a family of five children in their home on Genesee Street.

She also developed a flair for interior design as evident by her home on Genesee St. hosting many parties and College events especially around the Holidays. Her home became a show piece with special furniture, art, sacred statutes, and ornate decorations.

Marion also loved classic movies, as well as music and was instrumental in hosting special events for the Italian Heritage Society which brought in several military bands and special guest such as Frank Sinatra Jr., and Cristina Fontinelli.

Over the last 20 years Marion attended many performances by the Auburn Civic Band and the Stardusters Allstar Band which was formed in the early 1950’s by her husband. She was also a fan of the MANOWAR band led by Joey DeMaio, a long-time family acquaintance.

Marion was active in the Cayuga County Republican Party serving as a Committee Person and as an Election Inspector.

She was a strong manager of money, making a small fortune, which enabled her to educate her children with no student debt. Marion insisted that all her children be college educated.

There was also a silent side to Marion that most people did not know. She would attend to the poor by delivering clothes and boxes of food to them. Everyone was welcomed into her home especially during the holidays. Marion was humble, gracious, and always put God first, her family and friends second, and herself third.

Marion was a devout and faithful parishioner of St. Francis Church, where she was also a Eucharistic Minister serving on many School and Parish Committees. For many years she attended daily mass at St. Mary’s Church.

Marion is survived by her loving children, Joseph Jr. (Nancy) Camardo, MaryAnn Balloni Ruzicka, John (Lisa) Camardo, Lisa (Kevin) Minnoe; Son-in-law Robert Bruno; Sister-in-laws Carmella Petrosino and Patricia Reginelli; Grandchildren Theresa (Alexi) Moutafis, Cristina (Chris) Lee, David, Andrea, Matthew Balloni, John Jr. (Emilia), Nicholas (Elizabeth), Anthony Camardo, Erica, Brianna Minnoe; and Great-grandchildren, Giano Ruscio, Grace, Gabriella, AJ Moutafis, Paxton Lee, Lorenzo Camardo. She also has several nieces and nephews, as well as an extended family in Italy.

Marion was pre-deceased by her husband of nearly 54 years, Professor Joseph Camardo, her daughter Donna Camardo Bruno, parents Ralph & Argerinda Reginelli, in-laws D. Anthony & Theresa Camardo, sister Ann Reginelli Casler, brother Frank Reginelli, son-in-law Peter Ruzicka, brothers-in-law Gerald Casler and Michael Petrosino, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins of the Reginelli and DiMatteo Families.

Marion’s grace, quiet demeanor, and eloquence will be greatly missed. Marion was the wind beneath our wings and the matriarch of a large and close-knit family. Her passing is a significant loss to the Family, she was always there for each member of the Family and always had a solution to everyone’s problems. She is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed.

The Camardo Family would like to thank all of her family, friends, and acquaintances who were a part of her Journey of Life. She always said, “The last mile is the longest mile”.

Calling hours are this Saturday, November 11, 2023, in St. Francis of Assisi Church from 8:45 am until 11:45 am, with her Mass of Christian burial to follow at 12:00 pm, with the pastor Rev. Frank Lioi as celebrant and concelebrant Rev. Louis Vasile, assisting. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

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