Mary Conti Volpe

Mary lived a long and beautiful life centered on family, tradition, and the joys of everyday generosity. She was best known for her extraordinary Italian cooking–her chocolate cookies, Italian bread, homemade sauce, ravioli, and her unforgettable stuffed artichokes were cherished by all who were lucky enough to share a meal with her. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and love.

Mary proudly graduated from Jamestown High School in 1943 and attended her 75th class reunion in 2018, a milestone she treasured. Before her marriage, she worked as an instructor in the mica section of the local Sylvania plant, where materials for aircraft interior bulbs were produced.

Mary and Angelo J. “Screech” Volpe were married in 1947 and shared 63 years together–a lifelong partnership marked by devotion, laughter, and shared traditions. They loved to dance. Whether at the VFW or the American Legion, they were often seen gliding across the f loor together. She and her husband were longtime members of the Marco Polo Club, The Gaeta Club, and The Italian American Club, where they enjoyed friendships, community, and countless celebrations. They also enjoyed dancing with the St. James Italian Dancers in the group’s early days, sharing in the music and traditions of their heritage. Mary always enjoyed joining in the festivities with her husband’s extended family at the annual Volpe Christmas Party held at Uncle Sandy’s Bar, where she and Angelo would dance along with the rest of his family to the music of the Peter Volpe Family Band. Mary was an active member of St. James Roman Catholic Church, where she participated in the Altar & Rosary Society and helped prepare the annual St. Joseph’s Table, a tradition she held dear. Throughout her life she remained active in her community–serving as a poll worker during elections and participating in the PTA. Mary embraced life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed knitting and crafts, playing games on her iPad, browsing Facebook, and the occasional trip to the casino, where she delighted in the excitement and fun of the day. She also enjoyed bowling and spent many happy seasons participating in her golf league, where she cherished the friendships and camaraderie as much as the game itself. She lived most of her life at their home on Hazzard Street, later moving to Crane Street Apartments and then Orchard Grove. Even in her later years, Mary remained deeply connected to her family. In 2025, she was honored as the oldest family member attending her family’s annual Conti reunion held in Barcelona, NY, and she had been looking forward to attending again this year.

She is survived by her sons, Angelo Volpe (Victoria), Thomas Volpe, and Anthony Volpe (Jolanta); grandsons, Michael D. Volpe and Steven J. Volpe; granddaughters, Gina M. Volpe and Stephanie Smith (Lee) of Belgium; great-granddaughter, Sela Smith; and daughter-in-law, Marlene Volpe. Also surviving, are her niece, Leanne Darling and nephew, Wayne Hilton, whom she helped care for after the passing of their mother, Sally Conti Hilton; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Angelo J. Volpe; her sons, Peter M. Volpe (Marlene) and Charles J. Volpe; her infant daughter, Esther; her daughter-in-law, Lisa Volpe (Thomas); her brothers, Thomas L. Conti and James V. Conti; and her sisters, Josephine Malta, Carmella Allesi, and Sally Hilton.

Mary’s life was long, full, and deeply rooted in love. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she passed down, the meals she lovingly prepared, the family she nurtured, and the countless memories she created over more than a century. Mary’s strength and faith carried her through the loss of two adult sons, never allowing it to break her. She was selfless, always worrying about everyone else. She was the strength and foundation that held her family together. May she rest now in God’s embrace, and may her memory be a lasting blessing to all who knew her.

The family will receive friends at Riccardi’s Hubert Funeral Home on Sunday March 29, 2026 from 2-6 pm.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026 10 AM at St. James Roman Catholic Church.

Burial to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Jamestown NY

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. Send a condolence by visiting www.hubertfuneralhome.com.