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Celebrating the life of
Mary Fulton Finocchiaro
Passed away on December 13, 2023
Mary Fulton Finocchiaro ,94, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2023. She was born March 30,1929 to Thomas and Dolores Fulton. She was predeceased by her brother Tom, another brother David, a granddaughter, Theresa, and her beloved husband Frank Finocchiaro. She is survived by her children, Thomas A Finocchiaro (Melanie), Michael D Finocchiaro (Pam), Mary F Sweeney (Neal) and Ann F LaRossa, her grandchildren Christina Gill (Matt), Maria Finocchiaro, David Finocchiaro (Lauren), Monica Yeckley (Ty), Daniel Sweeney (Stephanie), Clare VanMeter (Browning), Moira Roberts (Sean) , Francis LaRossa (Haley) and Edward LaRossa and 9 great grandchildren .
Mary was many things to her inner circle. She was a wife, a mom, a grandmother, a great grandmother, and a loving loyal friend. Most of all, she was a Savannahian, through and through. Her drink of choice was Coca-Cola. Not New Coke, Diet Coke or Coke Zero but Coke in the red can (when the little glass bottles finally disappeared). She believed as most Savannahians do that it held some mystical medicinal qualities as well. She loved Tybee, Johnny Harris chicken, cheese straws and the BC-Savannah High game on Thanksgiving Day. She loved her city. That doesn't mean she was a homebody. Quite the opposite. She loved to travel. She took many trips to New York over the years to see the city and family and friends and wonderful events there. Can you imagine seeing Willie Mays make his famous catch, going to the Yankees-Dodgers World Series as a guest of the umpires and seeing Pavarotti live at Lincoln Center and sharing all that with Frank. Their travels included Germany, Italy (where they were fleeced by a Gypsy pick pocket) Canada and San Francisco just to name a few. Truly though, best part of traveling for Mary was returning to the only place she ever wanted to live, with the only man she ever wanted to live with. They lived basically in 2 places in Savannah. The kid raising was accomplished in the best neighborhood ever, the 1400 block of east 41st street. Mary was one of the "Fab 4" moms of that block (along with Betty Fogarty, Sue McCarthy, and Marguerite Koncul) who kept watch of all the kids there and any visitors, of which there were many. Basically, if you did something wrong you had 4 moms to answer to. There's no doubt that we all benefitted from growing up in such a great place. As kids grew up and moved away, Frank and Mary moved to 54th street. It was another lovely place to live with good neighbors all around. As fate would have it Frank began to struggle with ALS before finally passing away in 2011. Mary was a trooper throughout and tended to her soul mate until the end. There was one silver lining. During Franks illness Mary met a family of caregivers, Sylvia and Angel Allen, Patsy and Shennel Johnson and LaToya Lloyd. The love and compassion they showed for Frank and later for Mary was a godsend. They will always be family. The last few years Mary spent ever increasing time on her den couch, reading (she was always a voracious reader) and watching Seinfeld, The Today Show never missing Jeopardy. The only time I could ever beat her in Jeopardy was if the categories were Sports and WW II. The biggest spark for her was always family. She loved every minute together and nothing gave her a smile like getting an email with new pictures. You could see her grow younger if only for a few moments when she spent time with family. Sadly, God called her home at the end of a beautiful, rich 94 years. I don't know if Heaven has a welcoming committee but if they do, I got a pretty good idea who it might be, her beloved granddaughter Theresa who left us all way too, soon, Betty Fogarty, the sister she never had, and this sweet little Italian guy with a crooked smile who finally feels whole again.
Rembrances may be sent to Blessed Sacrament School, 1003 E. Victory Drive, Savannah, GA 31404,
or The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, 222 E. Harris Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
The 41st "Trail", has lost it's final matriarch. Four sets of parents that lived on the "Trail", my parents included, that produced 25 children. Safe to say, we were in good hands. Mrs. Finocchiaro always made one feel welcomed in her home. Countless memories of ringing the doorbell, having her greet me with "they're in the back reading comic books". Would love to know what happened to those comic books, as Tommy and Mike had a collection that would stagger the mind. If I ever overextended my stay , she never let on. She was a jewel, and I cherish those wonderful times spent laughing and growing up in the four homes that flanked the "Trail". Her gift of always bringing a smile when thinking of her is a treasure. My condolences to her family. I am so grateful for having her been a pleasant part of my childhood. I will not forget her. Kind regards, John McCarthy
- John McCarthy, Savannah, Ga.
Prayers for Mike and Tommy and your families. Sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, may she rest in peace. Sigbert and Margie All
- Sigbert H All III, Townsend, GA
Tommy, Mike and family, your mom was a very sweet person with. Very soothing persona. You were very fortunate to be raised by such caring parents. So sorry for your loss.
- Benny Wells, Savannah, Ga
Many happy memories of Mary & Frank Finocchiaro when we worked at Savannah Bank & Trust Company! Sincere Sympathy to her family!
- Kathryn Getty Murray, Pembroke, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with the Finocchiaro family during this difficult time. Mrs. Finocchiaro was always gracious to everyone she met. Blessed Sacrament has lost a wonderful group of ladies. Mrs. McCarthy, Mrs Fogarty, Mrs. Koncul and now Mrs Finochiaro. May they all rest in peace in heaven celebrating together.
- Anne and James Byerly, Kansas City, MO
Mary Finocchiaro I miss you so much, you wore the true meaning of an Angel . You would be forever in my heart
- Sylvia Allen , Savannah , Georgia
The Mary and Frank Finocchiaro were the prime examples of a true Italian family , family,faith and hard work were the cornerstone of there beliefs . The Aliffi’s were better people having friends like the Finochiaros,.
- Aliffi, Savannah , Georgia
Mike, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mom. I met Mary singing in Patty Schreck's choir at the Cathedral. She was a lovely lady and will definitely be missed. May God's peace carry you and your family through this difficult time. Carol Ray
- Carol and Billy Ray, Savannah, Georgia
I was a part of the 41st Street neighbors in that great neighborhood with many wonderful memories! I remember Mrs. Finocchiaro! Never forget!
- Camille Brooks Anderson, Richmond Hill, GA
My condolences to all. Many wonderful memories of the entire Finocchiaro family. My most favorite of Mrs. Mary was the Merry Widow's luncheon at the "BK Lounge". It started as a simple lunch between two widow friends (Barbara White & Vergie Mell). This lunch group became many (Tricia Sevier, Mary Curran, Carolyn O'Hayer, Mary Ann Haslam Butler, Delores Highland, and some I'm sure I inadvertently left off). If you're wondering what the "BK Lounge" is...Burger King on Waters Ave. When this establishment closed they began going to The Exchange on Waters. When it closed they moved to Spanky's Southside. This was their joy and laughter for the week. I enjoyed sitting and listening to each of them tell of their weeks issues (good & bad). All with a great sense of humor. I will think of her often. May she rest in peace! Love to all, Vicki
- Vicki McCuen, Savannah, Georgia
I’m Sending My Deepest Condolences To The Entire Family! May God Hug Each Of You A Little Tighter! As You Go Through This Difficult Time! She Was A Beautiful And Strong Woman Inside And Out! And She’s Sadly Missed! My Aries Twin
- Shennel Johnson, Savannah , Georgia
Mary, Ann Tom and Mike I have known and worked for your Mother for about 30 years. She will always hold a special place in my heart. She was one of the Finest Ladies I have ever known. Always talking about her kids and even more about the Grandkids and Great grand babies. She would pull out her tablet and show me pictures of them all. She was one proud Grandmother. Always Smiling. She will be missed by me and Larry, may she rest in peace and fly away to Heaven to be with Mr. Frank again. So very sorry for your lost. Sincerely, Betty and Larry Wiggins
- Betty and Larry Wiggins, Savannah, GA
Mrs. Finocchiaro was one of our class mothers during my time at Blessed Sacrament School with Mike. She was one of a group of influential people who helped shape the character of a lot of kids. She lived a good, long, purposeful life and was a true Savannahian. She is now safely home.
- Mike Overstreet, MARIETTA, GA
Just learned today of Mary's death. We've been neighbors for the last 7-8 years. It was always a great day to find Mary in one of the rockers on her porch. Her sweet smile was a precious gift. We were away much of the summer and missed her move. So glad to have read the lovely obituary. Here's to the reunion she's found!
- Ann Curry/Enoch Hendry, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 5:00 until 6:30 p.m. on Thu, December 21, 2023
- Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
-
222 East Harris Street (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31401 - 912-233-4709
- Rosary
- 6:30 p.m. on Thu, December 21, 2023
- Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
-
222 East Harris Street (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31401 - 912-233-4709
- Funeral Mass
- 10:00 a.m. on Fri, December 22, 2023
- Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
-
222 East Harris Street (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31401 - 912-233-4709
- Burial
- on Sat, December 23, 2023
- Private Family Burial - Saturday, December 23, 2023
-
(map)
