Obituary of Nicoletta Masiello Stein

Nicoletta (Niki) Stein was a force to be reckoned with for anyone who knew her during her long life. She was a normal school grad who went on to receive her Masters in Education from Syracuse University at the age of 64. Earning a masters degree was the ticket to tenure, but her teaching altered the lives of elementary 2nd, 4th and 6th graders for generations. She was Neopolitan through and through, with the fire and passion of an Italian signora. Music brought tears to her, as did anything beautiful. Her grandchildren were her personal joy about whom she wrote many funny and thoughtful short stories. The beloved wife of her high school sweetheart, Franklin L. Stein, Niki stood by his side until his death in 1998. Together, they raised their only child, Mary Ann Hawley (nee Stein), while keeping their extended families close. Niki is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann, her sister Gloria Romeo, her grandchildren, Robert William III and Ana Rose Hawley, several nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. She joins her parents, Nicholas and Carmela Masiello, her brother, Anthony G. Masiello, her neice, Carol Anne Kerrigan, in eternal rest. Services: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Cross Church, 4112 E Genesee St., DeWitt where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will be later in the spring in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt. In lieu of flowers, a donation to your favorite charity in her name would be kindly appreciated.