Grace M. Polizzi, 76, passed away on May 21, 2026. Born in Queens, NY on March 5, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Santa (Caruso) Mele.

She is survived by her daughters Jacqueline Polizzi, Jennifer Polizzi and Jessica Alix (David); grandchildren William Jackson, Jacqueline Walenta (Stephen) and Samantha Alix (Anthony Rufa); and great grandchildren John, Nicholas and Robin Walenta. She is also survived by a brother Nicholas Mele (Florence), and sisters Denise Matty (George Pirics) and Diane Paukner (Jim Zaffiro), and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Other than her parents, she is predeceased by a sister Dorothea, brother-in-law Michael Matty and her loving husband of almost 40 years Jack Polizzi.

Grace worked at Just A Buck in Greenville for over 20 years. She loved her job meeting and becoming friendly with the customers. She loved to sew and would often volunteer to make Halloween costumes, doll clothes and outfits, not only for her kids but for people she just met. She also loved reading romance novels―GOD, so many romance novels!

She spoke her mind often and was quick to put someone in their place. But she loved to laugh and to make other people laugh. She had very fond memories of summers with her nephews Rob and Chris Citto and Anthony Fretwell, laughing and playing jokes on her. Those were great summers! She also loved dressing up. Customers at Just A Buck would see her hair decorated with ornaments that lit up or played music every holiday.

Grace was fun, funny, exasperating and hard. But she loved her family the best way she knew how. She will be missed.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Babcock Funeral Home, 19 Pulver Avenue, Ravena NY 12143.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Grace’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

To share a memory or for more information please visit www.babcockfuneralhome.com.