Mary L. Camobreco

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, Mary L. Camobreco (age 90) of Ithaca, NY, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of February 6th on the Feast of St. Paul Miki and Companions (2/6/25). She was born in Nyack, NY on September 29, 1934, to Vincenzo and Giovanna DiNardo and was the third of three girls. Mary attended Nyack High School in Nyack, NY. After successfully completing her high school education, she worked at Lederle Laboratories where she met her future husband, Santo Camobreco on a blind date.

On September 12, 1964, Mary and Sonny were married at her home parish of Saint Ann’s in Nyack. Ten months later they welcomed their first child, John Fortune. Daughter Rose followed a year later, followed by son Vincent in 1970 and son Anthony in 1974. In June of 1968 they moved from downstate to Ithaca, NY where they made their home. In addition to taking care of her husband and children, mom faithfully took care of her father-in-law for 21 years. She was involved in her parish of The Immaculate Conception and was co-founder of Birthright of Ithaca in 1981. Her passion was helping expectant mothers in need. Over the years, she worked as a home health aide and at the Cornell Law School.

She was a prayer warrior and said the rosary every day since the late 1970’s. She wouldn’t let anyone leave the house without a blessing. She was known for her delicious meatballs and eggplant parmesan as well as other specialties. One of her traditions was to make homemade pizza on New Year’s Day. According to a grandson, their house “smells of peace and croutons.” She enjoyed telling stories about her life, building puzzles and a good game of Clue.

Mary is survived by her husband Santo J. Camobreco, her son John (with wife Michelle and their children Lorenzo and Josephine), her daughter Rose, son Vincent (with wife Trisha and their children Joseph, Nicholas and Peter) and son Anthony (with wife Becca and their children Jacob and Natayla). She is predeceased by her parents Vincenzo and Giovanna DiNardo, her siblings Marguerite Clark and Theresa Sardone, and her nephew Thomas Clark.

All are welcome to attend Mary’s mass of Christian burial celebrated on Friday, February 14, 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church with Fr. Augustine Chumo as the celebrant. Friends and family may call Thursday, February 13, 3-5 p.m. at Bangs Funeral Home in Ithaca, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be offered to Immaculate Conception Church located at 113 N. Geneva Street, Ithaca, NY or Birthright of Ithaca at 223 Elmire Road, Suite 1, Ithaca, NY.