Obituary of Winifred M. Giannico
Winifred Mae Giannico
Winifred M. (Winnie) Giannico, 84, of Rome, passed away on December 27, 2024 with her husband, all of her children and several grandchildren at her side in the Rome Health ICU. Winnie was born March 29, 1940 in Elmira NY the youngest of 8 children of the late William and Waneta Quail Drake. Winnie was a graduate of Elmira High School. On January 19, 1957 she was united in marriage to Michael (Mike) Giannico in a ceremony in Elmira NY. Winnie was proud of her beliefs and devotion that led her to convert to Catholicism. On April 13, 1957 Winnie and Mike exchanged vows in St John the Baptist Church in Rome NY - the anniversary that they celebrated for almost 68 years of marriage - filled with cherished memories and numerous adventures.
Winnie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was especially proud of her six children, nineteen grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren and was eagerly anticipating another great granddaughter in January. Aside from raising her family, Winnie worked alongside her husband training racehorses at Vernon Downs. Winnie had an intense love of animals and a gifted way to communicate with them, this ability was instrumental in the many horses she helped train over the years. She was very proud of helping several of their horses deliver their babies! She loved Maltese dogs and adored her newest pup TJ.
In her spare time Winnie enjoyed many a morning having coffee with her beloved sister Beverly while doing puzzles or playing bingo. She also enjoyed the fellowship at the South Rome Senior Center and rarely missed Monday or Friday Bingos.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Michael Giannico of Rome; six cherished children, Anna (Bert) Giannico Testa, Holland Patent, Ida Giannico, New Hartford, Thomas (Terri) Giannico, Rome, Michele (Paul) McDonald, Frankfort, Patricia (Ron) Brement, Lee Center and Diane (Dave) Johnson, North Carolina; two sisters Beverly DiPaolo, Rome and Shirley Robinson; two sisters-in-law, Betty Drake and Kay Giannico; along with many nieces and nephews. Winnie was pre-deceased by her grandson Thomas Giannico.
The family would like to thank the Rome Health ER and ICU staff for their care and compassion to Winnie and the family during this difficult time. Family and Friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday January 2, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm at the Strong-Burns and Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick rd. Rome, N.Y. Funeral services will be held on Friday January 3rd at 2pm at St John the Baptist Church, Rome N.Y.