Obituary of Philomena Moretti

Philomena “Fanny” (Eramo) Moretti passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, September 15, 2021, at Valley Health Services in Herkimer. She was 103 years of age and would have celebrated her 104th birthday on the 25th of October. At the time of her passing she had the love and support of her daughter and best friend, Theresa, at her side. She was lovingly known as “Gavey” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and as “Fanny” to her friends. Born in Herkimer, NY on October 25, 1917, Philomena was the oldest child of seven to the late Vincent “Frank” and Theresa (Ricci) Eramo. On September 2, 1939, she and John P. Moretti were married in St. Anthony’s Church in Herkimer. They enjoyed their marriage and the many vacations they took to Florida. John passed away on December 20, 1983, shortly after their forty-fourth wedding anniversary. For many years, Fanny was employed by numerous companies throughout the Valley, including Derby Sportwear, General Electric and The Evening Telegram. Fanny took pride in her home, both inside and out. She wanted everything to be neat and in place. She was an excellent cook and baker, renowned for her pies, sponge cakes and holiday dinners, which everyone always enjoyed. She made the most perfect baked ziti – each piece of macaroni meticulously aligned, end on end and side by side. Her favorite times were the ones spent with her family. She also enjoyed and appreciated the fact that she was included in the events of her daughter’s classmates. Throughout her life, she displayed qualities of class, dignity and strength; she was very loving with a bit of added spunk for good measure! Fanny is survived by her only child, Theresa L. Mertha; her grandson, Rob Sciarra and Lisa Ricca of Brielle, NJ; her granddaughters, Kimberly (Stan) Denis of Albany, NY and April (Mike) Stalteri of Herkimer, NY; her great-grandchildren, Michael Stalteri, Savannah Stalteri, Talia Denis and Lawton Denis. She also leaves her sisters-in-law, Martha Eramo of Vero Beach, Florida and Teresa Moretti of Little Falls; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, her son-in-law, William “Bill” Mertha in 2007, her brothers and sisters-in-law, Albert and Olga Eramo, Anthony and Frances Eramo, Vincent and Patricia Eramo, Joseph Eramo and young brother, John Eramo; and her sister and brother-in-law, Jennie and Vincent Giangregorio. Gavey appreciated all the hugs, love and support that her family gave her so willingly during her time of need. Thank you Rob, Lisa, Kimberly, Stan and children…she truly loves you. Friends and relatives are invited to attend visitation for Fanny on Sunday afternoon, September 19, 2021 from 2:00PM – 4:00PM at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315) 866-1011. Fanny’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning, September 20, 2021, at 8:30AM at the funeral home and at 9:00AM at Sts. Anthony & Joseph Church in Herkimer where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Terence Healy. Procession will follow to Calvary Cemetery in Herkimer where her earthly remains will be laid to rest beside her husband, John. Fanny’s final wishes were pre-arranged and entrusted to her friends and Funeral Directors, Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.