Marilyn Claire Amodeo Floro

Albany, NY-Marilyn Amodeo Floro lived her life among us from January 11, 1936 to October 10, 2024. She was born in Albany, NY – the third child of Anthony and Dora Scarlatta Amodeo, and the baby sister of Paul and Anthony (Tony). Marilyn earned her Nursing Diploma from St. Peter’s in 1956. She graduated in 1966 with her Bachelors degree from the Columbia School of Nursing, and then earned her Masters in Nursing at Russell Sage College in 1972. During her time at Columbia, she gave birth to her son, Jerry, in 1961. Marilyn worked as a nurse in many different settings, including in a maternity ward in Ft. Lauderdale, as an Albany County public health nurse, and as a nursing instructor at Maria College. In 1974, the US Air Force came to recruit nurses at Maria College. Marilyn liked to say that the Air Force came looking for young nurses and walked out with a 39-year-old teacher. She entered service as a Captain in 1974, and across her 23-year career in the Air Force, she served in many locations across the USA and overseas. One of her favorite jobs was her assignment as a flight nurse and assistant chief nurse in the 9th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron out of Clark AB in the Philippines, which afforded her the opportunity to travel across the Far East. Perhaps her greatest sense of personal achievement came from her time as Commander of the 10th Aeromedical Staging Flight and the 89th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Andrews AFB in Maryland. Here she organized and oversaw the intense effort to receive wounded soldiers from Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. She always felt a great sense of care for, and pride in, the troops of all ranks who served under and with her. Marilyn retired in 1998 as a full Colonel, having been honored with Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award and the National Defense Service Medal. After retiring in Albuquerque, NM, Marilyn later moved to Virginia, when her son took a position in Charlottesville. Marilyn was a devoted mother, raising her son alone long before single parenthood became broadly accepted. In order to provide for a growing child, at one point while still working full time as a nurse instructor, she was also selling real estate, selling Tupperware, and working as a salesperson at JC Penney. As a mom, she was caring and sensitive, but also instilled a strong work ethic, and she was willing to let her son take risks. She was also a doting grandmother, absolutely adoring her grandson, Jess and her granddaughter, Kelly. Beyond being an officer, nurse and mom, Marilyn was a devout Catholic, a member of a large and boisterous Italian family, a cat lover, a great cook, an overenthusiastic shopper, and an avid sewer/quilter. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother, Paul. She is survived by her brother, Anthony (Tony), her son Jerrold, her daughter-in-law Eve, and her beloved grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. Her light and her smile will be missed, but she is happy to be in an even better afterlife with Christ. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Marilyn’s family Wednesday, October 16, 2024 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral services Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 10:00 am at All Saints Catholic Church, Albany, NY where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal with Military Honors will follow at 12:30 pm at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Maryknoll Society (Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers).

Tributes

Marilyn Claire Amodeo Floro

January 11, 1936 - October 10, 2024