BELMONT, NY – Our beloved and beautiful Julie Presutti Congelli returned to her Heavenly family on Sunday, March 12, 2017 just weeks after her 100th birthday. She was intensely and lovingly tended at home for the last four years of her life by her devoted granddaughter. Dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt, and friend, she spent all of her days and all of her energy caring for those she loved. She retained her wit, sparkling laugh and vibrant personality until her last days.
Julie was born in Olean, New York to Frank and Nancy (DeFiore) Presutti. She was the fourth of twelve children. She graduated from Belmont High School, and in 1940 married Henry Congelli, a talented and dignified gentleman from Wellsville, New York where they lived for a short time before moving briefly to Buffalo then back to Belmont and then again to Buffalo. From there it was on to Stamford, Connecticut for many years with a short interlude in Richmond, Virginia then again back to Connecticut to happily reunite with daughters and grandchildren.
She enjoyed several trips abroad with her husband, especially their two visits to the Vatican. She always remained close to her large family in the Southern Tier, traveling home often to see them. Upon retirement Henry and Julie returned permanently to Belmont where they were blessed to share another era of life together with their many relatives and friends in this area.
A homemaker and cook extraordinaire, Julie lovingly crafted each residence into a beautiful home and is known for her exceptionally fine meals, especially her best-in-the-world apple pie. She was also a voracious reader and lifelong devout member of the Roman Catholic Church, spiritually reverent in the highest order. Her generosity was ever notable in her family and her Church, and extended to many missions around the world.
Though small in stature she was gigantic in character. Her strong moral compass was the backbone of her family. With her heart and soul in every endeavor, she never lost sight of the right way to do things. Her support and guidance will be deeply missed.
Julie was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Henry Congelli, her parents, and ten of her siblings and their spouses: Joseph, Yolanda, Elvira, Louis and Lena , Amedeo (Ab) and Irma, Lenora and Samuel Vacante, Genevieve and M.J. (Bud) Creighton, E. Joseph, former Allegany County Clerk, Charles, and Leonard, former Mayor of Belmont, and his wife Waneta. Also, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Felix Congelli, Raymond and Rosie Congelli, John and Elsie Congelli, Tony and Helen Congelli, Joseph and Dena Congelli, Michael Congelli, Mary and Fran Ward. She was additionally predeceased by several nieces and nephews, among them Linda Creighton, Dana Presutti, Christopher Presutti, Matthew Presutti, William Presutti, Louis Presutti, Jr., Raymond Congelli, Jr., Carmen Congelli, and Karen Congelli.
Surviving are: daughters Carole Martin and Pamela Congelli, grandson, Jeffrey Martin and granddaughter, Spencer Martin, M.D. Also surviving, a brother, Peter Presutti, his wife, Rosamonde, sisters-in-law Lasca (Felix) Congelli and Linda (Charles) Presutti, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are being made by J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville, New York. There will be no calling hours. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Belmont will be announced. Great-nephew Zachariah Presutti of the Society of Jesus will assist with the services.
Memorial donations may be made to The Salesian Missions http://www.salesianmissions.org; EWTN Global Catholic Network, http://www.ewtn.com; or a favorite charity.
To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
