Obituary of Margherita "Rita" Gimelli Cronian

Margherita, "Rita" Gimelli Cronian, 91, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at home with her beloved friend Patricia Young and her dog, Prince. She was born in Utica, NY, on March 24, 1929, daughter of the late Guido and Louise Verno Gimelli. Rita attended the University of Maryland and graduated Cum Laude from Grand Canyon College, Phoenix, AZ. On August 13, 1970, she married Dannie J. Cronian, in Anchorage, AK. He passed away on March 16, 2015. Rita was a former employee of Griffiss Air Force Base. She was a member of Living Faith Bible Church, Sauquoit. Rita loved good Italian food, opera and had a deep love for all animals. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and had a wonderful smile that could light up a room. Rita was a strong, determined and fiercely obstinate woman with a loving heart. Surviving are her two grandchildren; Jeremy Gilmore and Samantha Branum, AZ, a sister, Joanie Kimball, Whitesboro, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, Dannie, two daughters; Marian Gilmore and Louise Cronian, six brothers; Anthony, Joseph, Bibs, Fred, Remo and Muzzy Gimelli. Due to COVID-19 Funeral Services will be private. Private burial will be in Crown Hill Memorial Park. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in Rita's name to: Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St., Utica, NY 13502 or online at: www.stevens-swan.org. Arrangements are by the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome, NY. To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.