Mr. Salvatore J. "Sal" Bosco Jr.

UTICA - Mr. Salvatore J. “Sal” Bosco, Jr. passed away after a long, healthy life of 94 years on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Although he endured a brief illness, he was in the constant care of his family who tenderly guided him with love and he is now with the Lord. Born in Utica on November 10, 1926, Salvatore was the son of the late Salvatore J. Sr. and Mary (Testa) Bosco. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1945. A proud veteran of World War II, Sal enlisted in the United States Army and served his country from 1945-1946 stationed in the Western Pacific Theater of Operations as a Tec 5-Rifleman. He was honored for his valor with numerous citations. On September 1, 1947 he wed the former Nardine M. “Nardie” Panaro. Their nuptials celebrated their union of love, companionship, and common interests. They truly adored each other for nearly 50 years prior to Nardine’s passing on June 18, 1996. In 1952, Sal started the United Auto Paint & Supply Company, and then brought in his brother Bennie Bosco and brother-in-law Frank Panaro as co-owners and operators. Then, in 1955, the family had the opportunity to purchase the Genesee Paint & Glass Company located first at 325 Columbia Street, then at 1219 Park Avenue, a business that has been perpetuated by Sal’s children. In 1981, Sal and Nardie purchased the corporation and carried on their business with integrity and respect along with their sons, working hand in hand, until most recent days. The boys were so proud of their dad’s tenacity; he put his heart and soul into his business, every day, in every way. He welcomed his patrons with a smile and was always supportive and genuine in his actions. A peaceful person, his mild manner was so pleasant. He loved the store and called it “his baby”. He wanted his boys to see customers, prior to “GPS” days, and wanted them to know the loyal friendships that could be forged, and the associations that were maintained. And through their dad’s mentorship and meritorious example, Tom and Sal remained equally devoted to the success of the business, and their dad was so proud of them. A loving patriarch, Sal wanted his family to be taken care of emotionally and he entertained their special leisure interests and wishes. In 1952, he built a family camp at Black River, and it remains a legendary weekend haven to this day. It wasn’t enough to have been good to his children, he made sure the grandchildren each got an additional dose of love! Sal and Nardie participated with them having great times, vacations, and dining, but make no mistake, Papa’s famous Sunday pancakes will never be forgotten. Their great-grandchildren also knew his loving ways and they always wanted hugs and kisses from their “Big Papa”. Sal was a dedicated New York Yankees fan who was passionate about watching all of their games. He made it a priority to take his kids and nephews to trips to the Yankee Stadium. He also bowled on area leagues and being in the company of his friends was always great fun, but the abundance of energy that Sal and Nardie had was nostalgic, and as a couple they found incredible times socializing when they dined out at any of the local Italian restaurants and enjoyed the great food and spirits. An East Utican, Sal was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church and Palm Sunday was especially sacred to him because he spent his time and talents exuding the Lord’s goodness creating Palm Crosses and constructing baskets for those he loved. Salvatore is survived by his sons and their loves, Salvatore J. Bosco III and Amy Molé, Thomas and Nicole Bosco, and the memory of his infant son, Stephen Bosco; his treasured grandchildren, Clarissa Lee Bosco Reyes and her husband William; Thomas Anthony Bosco Jr., Josette Marie and Louis Lasher, Stephen Nicholas Bosco, and Gabrielle Rose Bosco; and his adored great-grandchildren, Louis Nicholas, Rocco Anthony, and Gia Nicole Lasher; and Brielle Grace Bosco. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. A special thank you to Stephanie Jodoin-Seng, a wonderful caregiver who was a blessing and a part of the family; and the “boys at the store” who thought the world of Sal and treasured him like a grandpa. The Bosco’s will never forget their kindnesses. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Benjamin V. “Bennie” and Philomena (Passante) Bosco; sister and brothers-in-law, Josephine M. Cefali DeMola and 1st husband Vincent D. Cefali, and 2nd husband Querico “Lefty” DeMola; in-laws, Frank J and Nenette “Nan” (Spadaro) Panaro, and Margaret Panaro. The family is grateful to the staff of Elder Choice who provided 24 hour care and embraced Sal with love, care, and affection; and the personnel of MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center IMC and ICU. All handled Sal’s needs with great compassion; his primary physician, Dr. Abin Pachikara for his medical expertise; and Fr. John Buehler who administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick with grace. The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Saturday, June 5, 2021 from 12:30-1:30 at Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleecker Street in Utica. Salvatore’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday afternoon at 1:45 at the church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered with Military Honors conferred by the United States Army. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in Sal’s memory may consider a contribution to the Coffin-Siris Syndrome Foundation, 11611 106th Ave. NE, Kirkland, WA 98034 online at https://coffinsiris.org or Shriners Hospital for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 online at https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc. Envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum where he will be laid to rest beside his wife at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Salvatore J. "Sal" Bosco Jr.

November 10, 1926 - May 25, 2021