Obituary of Celeste L. Pytko

      Mrs. Celeste L. Pytko, 75, of N. Utica, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare in New Hartford, with her loving family by her side.

     Celeste was born in Utica, on February 9, 1948, the daughter of Earl E. and Genevieve “Jean” (Koziol) Gamache.  She was raised and educated in Utica and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy.  On May 25, 1968, Celeste was united in marriage with Michael Pytko, at St. Joseph’s Church in Utica, a loving and devoted union of 55 years.  Celeste enjoyed tending to her flower garden, cooking, spending time in the Adirondacks and at her camp on Lake Ontario.  She was a parishioner of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Whitesboro as well as a dedicated volunteer with the CYO programs at St. Paul’s Church and St. Peter’s Church in N. Utica.  Celeste had a great love for her dogs, and especially loved spending time with her cherished grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

     Mrs. Pytko is survived by her loving husband, Michael; daughter and son-in-law, Mary Lourdes and Andrew Laramee of Chittenango, NY; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Lauri Pytko of Louisville, KY; four cherished grandchildren, Carter Laramee, Tanner Laramee, Emma Pytko and Myah Pytko; one brother and two sisters-in-law, Thomas and Margarette Gamache of Perryville, MD and Kathleen Gamache of Lakeland, FL, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Earl and Genevieve and brother, Robert Gamache.

     Mrs. Pytko’s funeral will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 16 Park Ave., Whitesboro, where her Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated.  She will be laid to rest in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro. Visitation for family and friends is Wednesday, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica.  Those wishing to make a donation in Celeste’s memory, please consider St. Paul’s Church.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.