Mrs. Maria Lucia Deligato

Maria Lucia Deligato (née Zingaro), born in Rosario de Santa Fe, Argentina on December 13, 1927, carried the indelible, fierce resilience of a life forged through extraordinary hardship. Moving with her family to Napoli, Italy in 1930, she came of age amidst the devastating crucible of World War II. Carrying a remarkable strength and resilience across the Atlantic after the war, Maria emigrated entirely by herself to the United States, settling in Cortland, New York. She initially lived with her aunt and uncle and soon met her future husband, Anthony Deligato, whose family owned the Imperial Restaurant down the street. Maria married Anthony Peter Deligato on April 11, 1953, raising their children Gloria (Gino), Toni (Dan), Benny (Gina), and Maria Anne (Brian), in the Catholic faith. Maria was pre-deceased by her husband Anthony (July 14, 2008) and daughter Gloria (August 24, 2010). Maria was a devoted communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, faithfully raising her family in the Catholic faith and volunteering extensively for parish ministries, including: Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan, Bereavement, Homebound/Nursing Home ministries. She was a devoted servant to the Church, instilling its teachings to her children. Maria is survived by her children Toni Spaulding (Dan), Benny Deligato (Gina), and Maria Huff (Brian); her grandchildren Gino Anthony Sonnacchio, Carla Spaulding, Angela Blair, Anthony, and Vincent Spaulding; Danielle Baez, Christina Weaver, and Brandon Huff; Dominic and Gia Deligato; great grandchildren Logan and Jameson Sonnacchio; Alexis Wooten; Brantley and Savanah Blair; Avery, Aria and Eloise Baez; Leighton and Griffin Weaver. Maria was blessed to have lived her life in her own home, next door to her son-in-law Gino Sonnacchio and Cindy Kane, who both devotedly cared for her, making her dinner, her favorite drink, Manhattans, running errands, taking her to appointments, caring for the house and yard, taking her out for dinners and drives, and most importantly, keeping her company. She was also blessed to have the unwavering love of Rocky, her favorite dog. She was blessed to have had the opportunity of caring for her great-grandchildren, who brought her so much joy. Maria’s life bridged the darkest chapters of twentieth-century European history with the immigrant American dream, defined by a fierce devotion to her family, an unrelenting work ethic, and a deep, enduring faith. She will be missed by all, but has left her indelible mark of love in our hearts. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11 am in St. Anthony’s Church. The Christian Rite of committal and Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends on Saturday from 9-11 am in the church prior to Mass. Arrangements are by Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, NY

Mrs. Maria Lucia Deligato

December 13, 1927 - August 27, 2026