Mr. Alfred P. "Al" Belmont

Mr. Alfred P. “Al” Belmont, age 93, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with his devoted family by his side. Born in Utica on July 7, 1921, Alfred was the son of the late Alfredo and Maria Giusseppe (Pandolf) Belmont. He was raised and educated locally. As a young boy, he enjoyed the sport of baseball which he played while attending Wetmore School. He continued to excel in the sport and as a young man he played AA (semi-pro) baseball in Cooperstown and later played for the Beechgrove Dairy. On October 14, 1950 he married the former Jennie R. Renno and shared with her a joyous union of 61 years; his beloved Jennie passed away on February 6, 2012. Al built up an impressively diverse career over the decades of his working life. At a young age, he embarked on his first successful business, Alfred’s Confectionaries on Bleecker Street. With a sharp eye for detail and retail, his next venture was to establish Belmont’s Nursery & Landscaping Company which he successfully operated for two decades. He maintained his affiliation with the Nurserymen’s Association through the years. A highlight of Alfred’s life happened in 1974 when he was employed by the City of Utica and was responsible for beautifying Hanna Park and the Athletic Fields in the area. This accomplishment was always fresh in his mind and the source of stories detailing his duties in this endeavor. With a natural knack for creating culinary delights, he cooked up the idea of a third business, Alfie’s Restaurant on Culver Avenue which flourished until 1993. At one time, Al joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Contractors of the New York State Department of Transportation where he played an integral part in planting trees along the Memorial Parkway. All in all, Al was a hardworking, strong-willed, generous man who loved his family and treasured the time he was blessed with them. During his spare time, he enjoyed watching NY Yankee games with his son-in-law, Tony. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Alfred is survived by his devoted daughter and son-in-law, Nicolette “Nikki” and Anthony M. “Tony” Fraccola of Holland Patent, with whom he resided; and his granddaughter, the apple of his eye, Nicole M. Fraccola of Utica and her fiancé, Taylor Hadsell. Al will be remembered by many special relatives including his nieces and nephews, Patty Dennison, Joe Dennison (who was also his godson) and Beth Docteur, and Jennifer and Wade Karam; and cousins John V. (who was also his godson) and Marie Lucarelli, and Esther Ann Mazzei. Also surviving are additional nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Alfred was blessed with the friendship of Donna Grippe and Don Kratzenberg, and Ondrea and Steve Getz and their children, Carmine and Ellia. A special thank you is extended to Joe Salmon who lovingly cared for Al. The special bond that was created between Joe and Al was remarkable with Joe affectionately referring to Al as “Bubba”. Joe was like family and was there when needed during Al’s journey. Gratitude also to Dr. William Ryan, Jr. for his friendship and long time care, as well as the compassionate and caring staff of the Forestport Household at the Masonic Care Community of NY. Visitation will be held Sunday from 3-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Flowers are graciously accepted. Alfred’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Committal services and Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Alfred P. "Al" Belmont

July 7, 1921 - September 23, 2014