Marguerite J. Semenza

Marguerite J. Boccolini Semenza, 77 years old, died peacefully on Thursday, August 13th, surrounded by her loving family.

Marguerite married Robert V. Semenza on October 30, 1968. They spent 44 wonderful years together until Robert's passing on February 26, 2012. Marguerite and Robert's years together were built on unconditional love, and they instilled this in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Born in Old Forge on September 23, 1948, she was the loving daughter of the late Paul and Jennie (Giovannina) Galletti Boccolini. She was a graduate of Old Forge High School, Class of 1966. She graduated from Beauty School 9 months later and began a lifelong career as a hairdresser, eventually having her own salon. She later worked for Topps Company until 1991.

A lifelong member of Prince of Peace Parish, Marguerite was a devoted wife, mother, Grammie, Nonna, sister, aunt, godmother, and faithful friend. She was a lifelong resident of Old Forge, a proud Old Forge High School cheerleading captain, and Treasurer for the Class of 1966. She took pride in planning her class reunions with friends.

She was a wonderful cook and a talented baker. Her family looked forward to her Sunday dinners and family gatherings. Marguerite was also a gifted writer and artist. She loved to write poems and draw. Making holidays and birthdays special for her family meant everything to her. She enjoyed watching cooking shows and Hallmark movies.

She cherished memories of trips to the lake and beach with her family. But more than anything else, she loved her family fiercely, and her most cherished times were spent with all of them.

She is survived by three children, Gina and husband Dr. Armando Sallavanti, Michelle Zaykowski, and Robert Semenza Jr., all of Old Forge.

She was Grammie to Mia Falcone (Sammy), Armando Sallavanti (Mattia), Attorney Daniel Zaykowski, Jeremy Zaykowski, Joseph Macciocco, and Robert Semenza III.

She was Nonna to Flora Rose and Giavanina Bella Falcone.

Also surviving is a brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Elisabeth Boccolini; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Lou and Dave Febbo, Lawrence (the late Mary Ann) Semenza, and Rosarie and Louis Marino; and many nieces and nephews, including David Febbo Jr., Mary Lynn Bartoletti, Larry Semenza, Deirdre Sargent, George Semenza, Lisa Franklin, Bernadine Miller, Ejvind Boccolini, Linda Marino-Brooks, Luanne Marino, and Laura DiMauro (godchild); and godchildren Joseph Dominick Jr. and Lynn Buzzinski.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law, Lawrence and Mary Semenza, and a nephew and godson, Paul Boccolini III.

The family would like to sincerely thank Traditional Home Care and especially Holly Morgan for the compassionate care and their loving presence. Our mom was so grateful for the loving care her son-in-law, Dr. Armando Sallavanti, gave her.

To honor Marguerite, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 17th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Prince of Peace Parish, 123 West Grace Street, Old Forge, to be celebrated by the Rev. Walter E. Jenkins CSC, Ed. D., Pastor. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Old Forge.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects to Marguerite at the Louis V. Ciuccio Funeral Home, 145 Moosic Road, Old Forge, on Monday morning, 8:30–10:30 a.m.

To leave an online condolence or for directions, please visit the funeral home's website at: ciucciofuneralhome.com

In the words of our Mom, "Goodnight, We love each of you."