Obituary of Mary Contento

Mrs. Mary M. Contento, age 87, passed away on November 12, 2022 with those she loved most in her heart. Born in Cortland on April 25, 1935, Mary was the daughter of Peter and Anna (Salamino) Greco. Raised and educated in Cortland, she was a graduate of Cortland High School/Class of 1953. On May 12, 1956 she married Dominick A. Contento with whom she shared 66 years in a loving union. Mary and Dom were inseparable. During her early years, Mary was a homemaker of many talents while she raised her children. She was an excellent cook and baker, and a delicious homemade pzza was always on her kitchen counter! She loved her Italian heritage and handed her traditional cooking and baking skills to her sons who were able to master them as their mom did. Mary loved nature, gardening, plants, birds, and antiques. Every summer Mary and Dom enjoyed camping at 8th Lake, a pastime carried on by her children and grandchildren to this day. She also treasured a trip to Italy with her good friend, Pat Jerome. Mary served as a County Legislator for 26 years, from 1978-2004, many of which were unopposed. She was the chair of the Health Committee with special interests in health, welfare, safety, and recycling. She took pride in bringing public transportation to Cortland County. Mary was a caregiver to many family members and friends. But above all else, she loved her family, children, and grandchildren who will carry her memory in their hearts forever. She was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church. Mary is survived by her husband, Dominick; her sons and daughters-in-law, Christopher and Gina Contento of Utica, and Timothy and Angela Contento of Homer; grandchildren, Christina (Albany), Nicholas (Rochester), and Giovanna (Cortland); nephew, Anthony Greco (Florida); sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Richard Randall; many nieces, nephews, and close and dear friends and family. She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Nicholas Greco; and sister, Madelina Greco. The family will honor and commemorate Mary’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mary’s funeral and Mass of Christain Burial which will commence on Thursday, November 17, at 10:30 AM at St. Anthony’s Church. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4 to 6pm at theWright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc. In lieu of flowers, contribuations in Mary’s memory may be directed to the Cortland Historical Society online at https://cortlandhistory.org/donations/ or by mail to 25 Homer Ave., Cortland, NY 13045. Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Mary, affectionately known as “Mamie,” often said, “Let’s have a hotdog on the fire,” which was her way of inviting family and friends to gather at her favorite camp at Cold Brook. To offer online condolences, please visit www.wright-beard.com