Mary Rita (DePaull) Carnicelli

Mary Rita (DePaull) Carnicelli May 25, 1936 – July 20, 2025

Mary Rita Carnicelli of Auburn, NY passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at Finger Lakes Center for Living on July 20, 2025. She was born in Syracuse, NY in 1936 to the late Frank and Margaret (DeFurio) DePaull and grew up in Auburn, NY.

She was active in youth sports at the Y-field and treasured her lifelong friendships with her close circle of girlfriends affectionately referred to as “Tri Sig”, especially her dear friend Mary Ann Anderson.

Mary Rita married the love of her life Matthew Carnicelli in 1957. They met in first grade and developed their romance in high school, where they were voted “Best Dancers” and continued dancing through 49 years of marriage until his passing. She was a graduate of West High School, attended Marquette University and completed her degree in dental hygiene at Temple University. After spending years raising her four daughters, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at SUNY Empire State College, her Master’s Degree at Elmira College, and also attended the Effective Teaching Program Institute at Skidmore College. She embarked on a long career as an elementary school teacher in the Auburn School District, along with her husband who also was an educator. Together they became certified in the Cooperative Learning teaching method and enjoyed giving workshops together in school districts around the state.

After their retirement, they enjoyed traveling to Italy, spending time in Florida, and summers boating on Owasco Lake. Mary Rita continued to be an active community member by serving on the boards at Owasco Yacht Club and the Community Preservation Committee. She also enjoyed sharing her love of the theater with her family, attending many seasons of shows at the Merry Go Round Playhouse and the Auburn Public Theater, as well as Broadway shows in NYC.

Mary Rita was a “people person” and loved her social life, bringing joy and kind words of wisdom to family and friends. She adored her grandchildren and celebrated their accomplishments, and leaves each of them with special memories to cherish. In later years, she enjoyed visits with family and friends, especially singing along with her favorite Frank Sinatra songs. Her family enjoyed the gift of time with her.

Mary Rita is survived by her daughters: Lynn Alivero, Jill Groce (Stephen), Elaine Amory (Timothy), and Deanne Drumm (Douglas); grandchildren: Amy Edwards and Matthew Edwards (Natalie); Emily Groce Torio (Patrick) and Hannah Groce; Jared Amory (Dona), Austin Amory (Allison) and Melissa Amory (Griffin); Carl Scouten (Lindsey), Paul Scouten (Danna) and Mary Scouten Tamburri (Michael); Joshua Drumm (Cristina) and Brittany Leyden (Ryan); great-grandchildren: Alexi Chennells Felkner (Davin), Michael Chennells and Nikolai Newman; Matthew and Anna Edwards; Louis and Rosalie Torio; Christopher Scouten; Nikolas, Theo and Lukas Drumm; and Avery and Shea Leyden; great-great grandchild Damon Felkner; her nieces and nephews: Cammie, Tom, Mary, Tim and Maggie DePaull; niece Jean Simon; sisters-in-law: Gretchen DePaull, Clara Picarro, Rena Mae Alexander and Sandra Lesch; and other extended family.

Mary Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband Matthew Carnicelli, brother Rockne Louis DePaull, her parents; brothers and sisters-in-law: Vince, Gino, Ralph and Raymond Carnicelli, Palmena Piscitelli, Rose Marie Cammuso, Dora Taylor, and Violet Smith.

The family expresses gratitude to Westminster Manor, Manlius Assisted Living Home, and the Finger Lakes Center for Living for their compassionate care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church on July 25, 2025, at 11:00 am. The family will receive guests at 10-10:45 am at the church prior to mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery following mass. Arrangements are with Pettigrass Funeral Home.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.pettigrassfuneralhome.com

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