Obituary for Sister Stella Maris "Sister Stella " Zuccolillo, OSF
Sister Stella Maris (Mary) Zuccolillo, OSF
It is with deep regret that the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities announce the death of Sister Stella Maris Zuccolillo who passed away at the Franciscan Villa on Wednesday, August 4, 2021.
Sister who was 91 years of age, was one of five children born to Michael and Antoinette (Di Pietro} Zuccolillo. She was a member of Assumption Parish and graduated from Assumption Academy in 1947. After high school Sister entered the Sisters of St. Francis and labored in the vineyard of the Lord for 72 years. During those years she earned a BS in Education and a Master’s Degree from Syracuse University. She also received certification in guidance and counseling and supervision and administration.
Sister Stella Maris’ teaching ministry began in the Diocese of Albany where she taught for two years. She devoted the next 20 years of service in the Diocese of Syracuse teaching in various Catholic elementary schools and Bishop Ludden High School. Her religious example and leadership did not go unnoticed, and she was soon made Assistant Principal and eventually Principal. Her next mission was at Bishop Cunningham High School in Oswego, NY. This she undertook while also serving in a leadership capacity in her religious community. Sister was eventually appointed President of Maria Regina College, a position she held successfully for nine years.
After resigning as President of the College, Sister served in various capacities. She was a member of the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal, she did Parish Ministry at Assumption Parish and finally ministered as Patient Advocate at St. Joseph Hospital.
Sister Stella Maris’ first love was teaching but she served graciously and effectively in whatever was asked of her. She was dedicated, prayerful, and humble. Always quiet and reserved, she was a good friend and a good “sport”.
Sister is predeceased by her parents, by her brothers Frank (Sandy) Zuccolillo, Angelo (Dorothy) Zuccolillo and her brother-in-law Andrew Cammuso.
She is survived by her brother Daniel (Karen) Zuccolillo , her sister Assunta (aka Sue) Cammuso, and her nieces and nephews: Michael, Jeffrey, Carrie, JoAnn, Michael, Joseph, Annette, Denise (Matthew), Mark (Robin), Michael, Joseph, and Annemarie, her Godchild Andrew “A.G.”, as well as several other grand and great nieces and nephews.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Franciscan Villa. To view the Mass remotely, please visit Sister’s obituary page (Photos & Videos) at www.knighfamilyfuneralhome.com at 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 10, 2021.
On Sunday, August 8, 2021, there will be Visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Assumption Church. A Franciscan Wake Service will be celebrated at 4:00 pm in the Church at 812 N. Salina Street, Syracuse, NY. Please note, masks will be required in the church due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, Mission Advancement Office, 6900 Buckley Road, Syracuse, NY 13212
It is with deep regret that the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities announce the death of Sister Stella Maris Zuccolillo who passed away at the Franciscan Villa on Wednesday, August 4, 2021.
Sister who was 91 years of age, was one of five children born to Michael and Antoinette (Di Pietro} Zuccolillo. She was a member of Assumption Parish and graduated from Assumption Academy in 1947. After high school Sister entered the Sisters of St. Francis and labored in the vineyard of the Lord for 72 years. During those years she earned a BS in Education and a Master’s Degree from Syracuse University. She also received certification in guidance and counseling and supervision and administration.
Sister Stella Maris’ teaching ministry began in the Diocese of Albany where she taught for two years. She devoted the next 20 years of service in the Diocese of Syracuse teaching in various Catholic elementary schools and Bishop Ludden High School. Her religious example and leadership did not go unnoticed, and she was soon made Assistant Principal and eventually Principal. Her next mission was at Bishop Cunningham High School in Oswego, NY. This she undertook while also serving in a leadership capacity in her religious community. Sister was eventually appointed President of Maria Regina College, a position she held successfully for nine years.
After resigning as President of the College, Sister served in various capacities. She was a member of the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal, she did Parish Ministry at Assumption Parish and finally ministered as Patient Advocate at St. Joseph Hospital.
Sister Stella Maris’ first love was teaching but she served graciously and effectively in whatever was asked of her. She was dedicated, prayerful, and humble. Always quiet and reserved, she was a good friend and a good “sport”.
Sister is predeceased by her parents, by her brothers Frank (Sandy) Zuccolillo, Angelo (Dorothy) Zuccolillo and her brother-in-law Andrew Cammuso.
She is survived by her brother Daniel (Karen) Zuccolillo , her sister Assunta (aka Sue) Cammuso, and her nieces and nephews: Michael, Jeffrey, Carrie, JoAnn, Michael, Joseph, Annette, Denise (Matthew), Mark (Robin), Michael, Joseph, and Annemarie, her Godchild Andrew “A.G.”, as well as several other grand and great nieces and nephews.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Franciscan Villa. To view the Mass remotely, please visit Sister’s obituary page (Photos & Videos) at www.knighfamilyfuneralhome.com at 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 10, 2021.
On Sunday, August 8, 2021, there will be Visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Assumption Church. A Franciscan Wake Service will be celebrated at 4:00 pm in the Church at 812 N. Salina Street, Syracuse, NY. Please note, masks will be required in the church due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, Mission Advancement Office, 6900 Buckley Road, Syracuse, NY 13212