Hildegard Indelicato

Heildegard Indelicato

Hildegard came to America in 1925, through Ellis Island, with her mother and younger sister, to reunite with her father who had come earlier. Hildegard met Salvatore Indelicato in the Bronx, NY in 1935, upon his return from Ft. Dix. She was working as a fashion model on 5th Avenue and Sal was working in the construction/contracting trade. They were married at St. Lucy's Church in the Bronx on June 16th, 1940, and their reception was held at the Park Central Hotel, with 200 guests in attendance. They recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary together, and they have been heard telling each other that their "Golden Years" have been ever since they met. Wanting a better place to raise their family, they moved to Ithaca in 1948. Hildegard was a master seamstress, had a flair for decorating, and performed magic in the kitchen. She loved people and welcomed them into her home for a cup of coffee or a meal. There was always room for one more at her table. When the children were older, Hildegard began work at the Cornell Alumni Records Office. It was a job she loved, and she remained there for 29 years, eventually becoming office manager. Hildie, as she was called by friends, especially loved coordinating, and working at, the annual Cornell reunions.

Sal and Hildie's shared love of the water led them to purchase property on Cayuga Lake in the 1950s. They delighted in sharing the beach property with family and friends and hosted many parties and celebrations.

Their love of being on the water eventually led to sailing adventures in the Leeward and Windward Islands, and in the Greek Archipelago. They fell in love with the "Family Islands" of the Bahamas and bought a small home in The Abacos, where they also kept a sailboat. After Hildie retired, they spent three or four months of the year at their home in Treasure Cay, and sailing around the Islands. At Christmas and Easter times, they welcomed family and friends to come celebrate with them, especially their grandchildren--who knew Christmas in the Bahamas, where Santa came by boat.

Her house has always been a gathering place for family and friends, and Hildie was still hosting parties up until a week before she passed. She was able to live at home with her husband up to the end of her life, which was her wish. She remained sharp and had an excellent memory, solving math problems in her head, offering advice, and showing concern for others' happiness. Hildegard is survived by her husband of 73 years, Salvatore Indelicato of Ithaca; her children, Charles Indelicato of Ithaca, Bianca Indelicato of Lansing; and Pamela (Philip) Hutchings of Ithaca; grandchildren, Heather Indelicato, Gabriel and Lukas Hutchings; sister, Gerda Pintauro of Pelham Manor, NY and many nieces and nephews and extended family members.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later time. If so desired, donations may be made to Cayuga Heights Fire Co., 194 Pleasant Grove Rd., or a charity of your choice. Perkins Funeral Home assisted the family.

HILDEGARD INDELICATO, passed away at Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, NY Tuesday, August 13, 2013, on her 93rd birthday.Born August 13, 1920 in Bremen, Germany, she was the daughter of Hermann and Marie Kromarek Lenz.Her father, Hermann died before she was born and her mother later married William Green, who was the only father she knew.