Theresa Ottalagano

April 6, 1923 - May 29, 2015

Theresa Ottalagano, age 92, passed away on May 29, 2015, at Wells Nursing Home, Johnstown, NY. She was born on April 6, 1923, in Amsterdam, NY. She was predeceased by her husband, Gregory, and her son, Richard, as well as her parents and siblings. She is survived by her son, Vincent; her grandchildren, Michelle (Mike) Hinze, Nicole (Ron) DeLorenzo, Colleen (Gabe) McGarry, Amanda (Joe) Boyer, Lanette (David) Vinci, and Richard (Amanda) Ottalagano, as well as several great-grandchildren, Stephanie and Kayla (Nicole), Aidan and Grayson (Colleen), Julian, Roslyn, and Kacey (Amanda), Bruce and Simona (Lanette), and Myla (Richard). A graduate of Amsterdam High School, she began her career first at Sheepskin Lining Company, where she met her husband, then worked at Neivert Leather Company. She was a pioneer in the heyday of the local tanning industry being the first woman employed on the factory floor, then foreman as well as shop steward. She earned the nickname "Tessie the Tanner," at the Wilson Tanning Company, where she worked for more than twenty years. Photos and articles are featured at the Fulton County Museum. Her last employment before retiring was at S&S leather. Her favorite things to do were to cook and garden, along with being a loving caregiver for her family. She loved to make people laugh and enjoyed their company. A graveside service will be held Sunday, June 7, at 1 p.m. in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wells Nursing Home, 201 W. Madison, Johnstown, NY 12095. www.amicofuneralhome.com.