Mrs. Lena B. Musci

March 15, 1919 - March 31, 2020

Lena B. Musci passed away peacefully on March 31, 2020, at the Elizabeth Brewster House in Homer, NY after a long and productive life of 101 years. The daughter of Serafino and Josephine Baranello, Lena was born on March 15, 1919, and was a life-long resident of Cortland. She attended Cortland schools and in 1941, became the wife of Sam Musci. During her life, she had many occupations outside the home interspersed with becoming the mother of four sons. Her happiest years, other than those spent at her home with her family, were those when she was "office manager" of her husband Sam's business, Cortland Electronic Supply. She was a talented cook and baker, fortunately, for her four sons, who were always "starving." Lena's greatest love other than her family was St. Anthony of Padua Church, where she regularly attended Mass at least twice a week for as long as she was able. She was a member of the church's Altar Society for many years and a member of Stella d'Oro Lodge #1730. After the passing of Sam in 1991, Lena became a volunteer at the Cortland Memorial Hospital for the next several years. She also volunteered at St. Anthony's for many at their famous Election Night spaghetti dinners and also the annual St. Anthony Festa. Lena was a woman of boundless energy and a willingness to help others in any way she could. In addition to her parents, Lena was pre-deceased by her husband Sergio (Sam), son David, and grandson Michael. Also, her sister Helen Natoli, and brothers James (Jack), John, Henry, and Joseph Baranello. Survivors are sons Jack Musci (Nancy) and Stephen Musci (Marga), both of Cortland, Richard Musci (Linda) of Austin, TX, and daughter-in-law Sherry Musci of Homer. Also surviving are grandchildren Teresa (Dan) Padavona of Vestal, Julie (Eustace, Jr.) Mita of Media, PA, granddaughter-in-Iaw Shelley Musci of Cortland, Judson Musci (Kristin) of Austin, TX, Mitchell Musci (Katie) of Laramie, WY, and Katie Musci of Seattle, WA; and great grandchildren Katherine and Alexander Musci of Cortland, Julia and Joseph Padavona of Vestal, NY, and Eustace III, Jack, Matthew, and Christopher Mita of Media, PA, along with a special niece Maria Dillingham-Purcell and several other nieces and nephews. Our family wants especially to send heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Elizabeth Brewster House in Homer for the kind, considerate, and compassionate care they gave to Lena for the past eighteen months. To everyone, staff and residents, thank you for making Mom feel like part of a large, loving family. Thanks, also, to the Hospice Foundation of Cortland County for the unwavering kindness and attention they gave to Mom. Because of the Covid-19 epidemic, no calling hours will be held. A private funeral for immediate family members only will be celebrated at the convenience of the family with the Reverend Joseph Zareski officiating. Those wishing to honor Lena's memory may send a memorial contribution to St. Anthony of Padua Church, c/o the St. Anthony-St Mary Parish Center, 59 N. Main Street, Cortland, NY. 13045; the Elizabeth Brewster House, 41 S. Main Street, Homer, NY, 13077; or Hospice Foundation of Cortland County, 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland, NY 13045. Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y. www.riccardifuneralhome.com