Mr. Alviero S. "Al" Cannucciari

UTICA - Mr. Alviero S. “Al” Cannucciari, age 88, joined those who went before him when he passed away on Friday, July 6, 2018 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with those he loved the most in his heart. Born in the Province of Viterbo in Onano, Italy on April 25, 1930, Alviero was the son of the late Pietro and Rosa (Scalampa) Cannucciari. Raised and educated in Italy, he was a graduate of the Classical Liceo High School. He then attended the University of Florence for two years. Upon his arrival in America, he furthered his studies at Utica College where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Political Science and subsequently attended the Syracuse University School of Social Work. On July 8, 1951 he married the former Anna S. Colonnelli with whom he shared 63 years prior to her passing on October 18, 2014. It was a warm and loving relationship until the very end...they exchanged 3 kisses a night as a sign of their affection and their marriage was truly an example set forth for their children to idolize. At one time, Al held a position at the Oneida County Welfare Department as a Case Worker. He later worked at Catholic Charities in Auburn, and then as the Director of Family Services in Rome. Lastly, he was employed by the Utica State Hospital as a Psychiatric Social Worker and also served as a Union Steward for the New York State Public Employee Labor Union where he advocated fairness in the workplace for fellow co-workers. In 1992 he ventured once again to a position as a Therapist for Oneida County. Al was unwavering in his will to work—-he could not stand idly on the sidelines. A loving patriarch, Al was the disciplinarian and yet the most affectionate Dad. He was also the go-to person for his children. All he wanted was for them to choose careers where they would be of service to people. He was so strong and brave in his life choices and he was so proud of each of his children’s choices. He spoke sincerely of his son John who preceded him. He was disabled and as parents, Al and Anna dedicated their abiding love and attention to his life and wellbeing. Al enjoyed the tranquility of fishing as well as the chore of cooking up the catch! He planted an annual vegetable garden where tomatoes grew plump and plentiful. He enjoyed summer weekends at different campsites in various states with his family, memorable places and points in time that brought everyone together for over 40 years. They frequented Bowman Lake in Oxford NY, Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes, Fair Haven State Park on Lake Ontario, Robert Moses State Park near Niagara Falls, and Letchworth State Park, locations that made lasting, happy memories for all. A devout Catholic he dedicated his life to doing good. At one time he was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church, where he was an Altar Server, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Church Council member. He was also a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Parish Council at Historic Old St. John’s Church, as well as President and Treasurer of the Legion of Mary. In addition to his devotion to his church, he had a dedication to his community as a volunteer at the Hope House. He was honored to serve the Lord in these humble positions for over 25 years. His political concern for Utica was seen as he served as City Councilman in the 1980s. Al’s benevolence and love reached so many levels and so many lives. God’s grace guided his path in earthly life and granted him peace in eternal life. Al is survived by his children and their spouses, Dr. Daniel P. and Phyllis Cannucciari, David A. and Karen Cannucciari, and Dr. Janice and Robert Bedell. He held close to his heart the memory of his son, John E. Cannucciari who passed away on February 9, 2012. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Christopher and Leigh Cannucciari; Minel Cannucciari, and Arden Cannucciari; and Brandon Bedell, Jared Bedell, and Laura Bedell; great-grandchildren, Dylan Cannucciari, and Anna Cannucciari; and his sister, Guiseppina “Peppina” Guarnera. He also leaves his nieces and nephews, Janice and Frank Massi, RoseMarie Mancuso, Daniela and Giomer DeLuca, Laura Cannucciari, Pietro and Nicola Cannucciari, Rita Volpi, Carlo Cannucciari, and Nello Guarnero; several great-nieces and great-nephews, and several great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, sister-in-law Mafalda Cannucciari; and dear family friend, Rosie Ambroze. He was predeceased by his brothers, Serefino and Luciano Cannucciari; sister, Fiorenza Cannucciari; in-laws, Alviero and Mary Colonnelli; and friend, Paul Ambroze. The family extends sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of the PCU and 6th Floor at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for the exceptional care rendered to Al. The family will honor and commemorate Al’s life in a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Alviero’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday at 9:30 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Inurnment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Alviero’s honor may be made to the Hope House online at http://hopehouseutica.org or the Abraham House online at www.theabrahamhouse.org; envelopes will be available at the service.

Mr. Alviero S. "Al" Cannucciari

April 25, 1930 - July 6, 2018