Hon. William S. Calli, Sr.

Honorable William S. Calli, Sr., age 88, of New Hartford and Old Forge, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 17, 2012 at SUNY Upstate Medical University as the result of injuries he incurred in a motor vehicle accident. Born in Utica on December 27, 1923, William was the son of the late Rocco R. and Elsie (Heibel) Calli. He was also blessed with the affection and guidance of his step-mother, Genevieve (Dettor) Calli. A graduate of Utica Free Academy, William completed his collegiate studies at Dartmouth College. While attending Dartmouth, he honorably served his country with the United States Army Air Force. He then furthered his studies by attending Albany Law School of Union University where he was awarded his Juris Doctorate Degree in 1949. On May 29, 1954 he married the former Ann Dunn with whom he shared a bond of over 38 years prior to her passing on January 2, 1993. William’s distinguished service to his people of his community commenced in 1950 when, at the age of 26, he was initially elected to serve as a member of the New York State Assembly, a position which he proudly held for 14 consecutive years, and thereafter, was elected to the New York State Senate. In 1980, he was appointed by then-County Executive Sherwood Boehlert as Oneida County Attorney, a position which is retained for 13 years, serving under 3 County Executives, all while continuing to operate his private law firm. In addition thereto, at the time of his passing, William served as General Counsel to the Municipal Housing Authority of the City of Utica. William began his legal career in 1949 when he joined his father, Rocco R. Calli, as a member of the law firm of Calli and Calli. His law practice spanned a period of 63 years and culminated with his position as Senior Partner of the law firm Calli, Calli & Cully on Bleecker Street in Utica, the firm’s home for over 90 years. William considered himself blessed to have practiced with 4 generations of Calli’s, his father, sister, sons and grandson. William was also a member of and affiliated with a host of civic and community organizations, including American Legion Fort Schuyler Post 1290, NYS Legislative Pilots Association, Tau Phi Zeta and the Comity Club. He was a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and a communicant of St. Bartholomew’s Church in Old Forge. William is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, Robert R. and Eve (Cardinale) Calli, and William S. Calli, Jr., all of New Hartford; his grandchildren, Robert R. and Lisa K. Calli, Courtney Ann Calli and Cesar Ortiz, and Patrick William Calli; and his great-grandson, Parker Ross Ortiz. He also leaves his cherished and beloved sister, Carole C. Perez of Maryland; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws Virginia Dunn of Utica, and Florence Dunn of Rochester. He was predeceased by his in-laws Mary and Vincent Madden, Richard F. Dunn, Paul Dunn, Phyllis and Joseph Noble, Heinz von Eckartsberg and Lawrence Perez. The family would like to acknowledge the significance of two special individuals; Thomas C. Graziano, whose life-long friendship and devotion shall forever be cherished, and Herbert J. Cully, whom Bill respected, trusted and valued as a partner and friend, but more importantly, as a member of his family. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Old Forge Fire Department & Rescue Unit, and the Town of Webb Police Department for their valiant efforts as well as the comfort they extended. Also, a special acknowledgment is accorded to the members of the Mercy Helicopter Flight Crew, with special thanks and appreciation to Paramedic Kyle Williams. Visitation will be held Friday from 3:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. William’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors conferred will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. He will be placed to rest in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Hon. William S. Calli, Sr.

December 27, 1923 - September 17, 2012