Lucille Malfa

Lucille "Lucy" J. Guastella Malfa, 90, a longtime resident of East Syracuse, died Saturday at St. Joseph's Hospital. She was a native of the Syracuse North Side, born in her family home on Townsend Street. She was raised by her parents, the late Frank and Rose Cannata Guastella. She then married and started her family on Hickory Street before moving to East Syracuse. She originally intended for her father to come to East Syracuse with them but he passed away one year before the family move.

Lucy had to leave Prescott School at the age of 15 during the depression years but she continued to teach herself by always reading. To help support her family, she worked at Resnik's Pocketbook Factory, then later moved on to Presolite working split shifts with her beloved husband John. She was a member of the UAW Union Local 317 as an assembler, who actively fought for equal pay for equal work done by women. After 37 years, she retired in 1982. She was a lifelong communicant of St. Peter's Church, an avid reader who took interest in historical and political books as well as romance novels. Her friends and family loved that she had such sharp insight on current politics. She was a traditional Italian cook who loved spending time with her family.

Lucy was predeceased by her husband of 27 years, John Malfa in 1974, her infant sister, Joanne, her beloved brother, Martin Guastella, and Uncle Joe Cannata with whom she was raised with.

She leaves behind her two children: Sondra Robert Walsh of North Syracuse and John J. Malfa, Jr. of East Syracuse; three grandchildren: Kevin Nancy Walsh, Shannon Walsh and Casey Walsh; two great grandchildren: Daniel and Nicholas Walsh; and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call Thursday from 4-7 pm at Krueger Funeral Home Inc., 2619 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale. A prayer service will be at 10:45 am Friday at the funeral home followed by an 11:30 Mass in Our Lady of Pompeii Church. Entombment will be in Woodlawn Mausoleum, Syracuse.