Marcello Alaia

Marcello Alaia of Latham, NY; formerly of Amsterdam, NY; passed away at home surrounded by family on Friday, July 16, 2021.

Born in Piedimonte d'Alife, Provincia di Caserta, (Campania) Italy on August 19, 1930, he was the son of the late Michelangelo and Rosa (Tessitore) Alaia. Marcello was the youngest of nine brothers and sisters all of whom predeceased him.

Marcello was born in Fascist Italy, orphaned by age four, and brought up by his brothers and sister. That deep bond between brothers and sister remained all of their lives and defined him. While his brothers were sent to war, he spent those years in Madonnina del Grappa in Firenze and later remained connected and active with the orphanage. Marcello came to the United States in 1951 and shortly thereafter, served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany from 1953 to 1955. Marcello was an honorably discharged United States Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. Upon returning, Marcello married Catherine and they began their life Journey together in Amsterdam. Together, they shared 39 loving years, raising a family, traveling extensively, and returning to Italy many times.

Marcello received his education in Italy. He was a trained lens maker at the Galileo Galilei in Firenze. Locally, he worked at several places including American Locomotive, the Condec Corporation in Niskayuna, NY and subsequently for Liberty Enterprises in Amsterdam.

Marcello was a former communicant and parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Amsterdam. He was also a former member of the St. Agnello Club and the South side Bocce League.

He loved his family, laughing, good food, wine, cooking with his wife and then his daughter in law, Cynthia. He loved his Italian heritage, opera and his beloved AC Fiorentina.

Marcello was predeceased by his wife, Catherine Veneroso Alaia November 13, 1995. He is survived by one son, Mario Alaia (Cynthia) of Latham, NY; cousins, Dolores Murdico and Ralph Fabozzi. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews in Firenze, Italy. He was closest with his nieces, Sandra and Mirka Alaia and nephew, Michele Alaia. Marcello was also fortunate to have a friend and companion in Angelina Spagnola of Amsterdam for the last twenty plus years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 39 St. John Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010, with Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis officiating.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.

Interment with military honors will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY.

Memorial gifts in Marcello's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929 or Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.