Obituary of Theresa Marie Sokolowski

     Theresa Marie Sokolowski, 70, of Utica, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Oneida Health Hospital in Oneida, NY with her loving family by her side.

     Theresa, the daughter of James and Rose (Barone) Salerno, was born in Utica, on February 8, 1955, where she proudly resided her entire life. She graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School and went on to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from Mohawk Valley Community College, followed by a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree from Empire State College where she studied photography. Theresa had a true passion for photography from a young age and transformed that passion into a long and illustrious career. Her career began at Olan Mills Studios, where she was a portrait photographer in Utica, and a regional supervisor in Albany. In 1992, she fulfilled a lifelong dream and opened her own studio - Visual Designs. Her studio was a special place where she photographed friends, family, and many clients over the years. She later served as an Adjunct Instructor of Photography at Utica College, Mohawk Valley Community College, and SUNY IT. Theresa enjoyed golf, gardening, sunbathing, and swimming. She also loved going on vacation with her friends or an afternoon at the Turning Stone Casino. Theresa’s greatest joy was her cherished daughters and grandchildren who were the light of her life. 

        Mrs. Sokolowski is survived by her four loving daughters, Rose (Aaron) Cidzik of Whitesboro, Ruth (Anthony) Mittiga of Deerfield, Rachael (Jeff Weiskopf) Sokolowski of Sleepy Hollow, NY and Mary (Peter Adamczyk) Sokolowski of Marcy; six cherished grandchildren, Ethan Cidzik, Ella Cidzik, Makenna Mittiga, Marco Mittiga, August Weiskopf, and Nathan Adamczyk; two brothers, Joseph (Anna Rose) Salerno of Clinton and James (Patricia) Salerno of Utica, and one sister, Lorraine “Cookie” Riscica of Utica. She shared a special bond with her nieces and nephews: Joe Riscica, Nicole (Leigh Tingue) Riscica, Dean Riscica, Jimmy Salerno, Tricia Quagrello, Nina Fortnam, Joey Salerno and Elizabeth Ruiu; her great nephew, Harper Riscica; her great niece, Brooke Riscica and dear lifelong friends, Timmy Mulchy and Robin Pflanz. She was predeceased by her parents, James and Rose Salerno; her aunt, Rachael (Lugo) Pantaleo; Godparents, Angelo and Lucy Simone; niece, Jacqueline Salerno Viti and nephew, Michael Riscica.

     Visitation for family and friends is Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM at the conclusion of visitation. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Munson Arts Institute, 310 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13502.