Mr. Angelo "Gialino" Cacciotti

UTICA - Mr. Angelo “Gialino” Cacciotti, age 88, went home to our Lord on Thursday morning, October 21, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Priverno, Italy on January 5, 1933, to the late Biagio and Anna Marie (Christofoli) Cacciotti, Angelo remained in his hometown until 1957. After that, he moved to Rome, Italy, and then in 1965, relocated to Utica, NY. Angelo cruised the long passage to the US in order to join family, and celebrated a wonderful reunion with those who had come before him. Angelo truly led a wonderful life in this country, and his is a tender story of arrival to this new venture. When in Italy, Angelo had encountered the love of his life – his childhood sweetheart, the former Giuseppina “Pina” DeSantis. The pair married on April 22, 1957 and went on to boast 64 years together. Those who knew this couple never questioned their love, and Angelo and Pina were deeply committed to each other. Indeed, they were the heart and soul of the family. Before his passing, Angelo defied all odds and found the strength to open his eyes one last time to say “goodbye” to his wife and children. This precious and meaningful moment will be imprinted forever on their hearts. Angelo began his vocation as a stonemason during his time in Italy; however, he would never leave behind his skillset as a mason and carpenter, as they informed various aspects of his life. When Angelo moved to Utica, he shifted into a receiving position throughout his tenure at Sturdy Toggs Manufacturing Company. Angelo was additionally able to use his dexterous talents in masonry to the benefit of his employer. He remained there until the company closed. Angelo then worked a great duration at Mohawk Valley Community College in the Maintenance Department, where he was committed to his days’ work and fulfilling all of his responsibilities. Angelo seized any opportunity to lavish his skills upon his loved ones, and was never happier than when he could help his children to remodel or repair things in their homes. A forever artisan, Angelo shared his craft of masonry and carpentry wherever it was needed. Angelo was a true Italian: he was very proud of his heritage and acutely valued friendships and meaningful moments in the activities in Utica. An “old school” soul, Angelo had a message for everything, and a particularly loving mode of leading his family. He set up his family for success and ancestral pride by his decisions as a father, including his style of discipline. He would always discipline with affection… before asking any questions. He worked hard towards his goal of providing for them, and taking good care of the family’s needs, physical and beyond. Angelo was sincerely a grateful and humble man, and instilled many of these qualities in his children. He was so proud of his posterity, his legacy: his wife, his three children and their spouses, and the generations that followed. Capable of profound love and support, Angelo became very involved with the grandchildren, and even the great-grandchildren! He was known to attend their varied sporting events up until four years ago, when he was no longer able. It was Angelo’s wish – one that his family grew to share – that all the family would love and respect each other, and stay close always. This he encouraged wonderfully by his example. A large part of Angelo’s life revolved around the Sons of Italy. He and the family dined there, they danced there on Saturday nights, and Angelo took on varied responsibilities within the club. These included opening up and closing the facility, being in charge of Special Activities, and even serving as both past President and Vice President. Angelo loved and appreciated the connections made there, and enjoyed sharing in their common heritage and the honor of the club. He always worked towards the success of the organization, and contributed to this by consistently attending all the national and regional conferences. His countless efforts did not go unnoticed. Angelo dedicated time to being a proficient card player. He was an old hand at poker, gin rummy, and pitch, and enjoyed the games just as much for the cash rewards as for the fun. Angelo’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren even taught him to play slapjack, which was a hilarious sight to watch! Angelo’s wife, Pina, would make pasta for Angelo every night for dinner – he was an enthusiast for all the different cuts, and even became a “riggie” fan. Angelo was a Catholic who believed firmly in the Creed, and was confident in the Lord. Attending Mass was important to him, and he worshipped at St. Mary of Mount Carmel/ Blessed Sacrament Parish. Angelo is survived by his most devoted wife, Pina; and his cherished children and their spouses, Biagio Giorgio Cacciotti, Arduino Aldo “Art” and Joanne Cacciotti, and Katia and Martin Richlin. Nonno was so proud of and will be remembered fondly by his numerous grandchildren and their loves, twins Domanique and Billy Wheeler, and Desmond Cacciotti, Bianca Cacciotti and fiancé Tiffany, Gabriella Cacciotti; Aldo and Stacey Cacciotti, Paul and Pricilla Cacciotti, Angelo and Allison Cacciotti, Joseph and Kristen Cacciotti; Danielle and Jason Magnusson, and Brittany and Bryan Zoeckler; and many adored great-grandchildren. Angelo was one of eight children, many of whom resided in Italy; notably his sister, Silvanna Torri, who lived in Utica for many years and now resides with her children. Angelo will further be remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, as well as his many in-laws. He was blessed with so many treasured friendships throughout his life – some of whom have passed away, and others who remain to remember him. Angelo was predeceased by his father-in-law and his mother-in-law Arduino and Carolina DeSantis. The Cacciotti family wishes to extend a very special “thank you” to: MVHS at St. Luke’s Neurovascular Unit, with kind thoughts of Dr. Scott Brehaut; Dr. Atul Butala and NP Tanya Marr – who were both amazing in their care for Angelo and their concern for Pina. The family also expresses their gratitude to the special ladies of the Regional Cancer Center, who went above and beyond to make Angelo as comfortable as possible, and even used the translator to find the means to communicate with him in Italian. Additionally, the staff of the Siegenthaler Center were so compassionate, for which the Cacciottis are grateful. The family will honor and commemorate Angelo’s life privately. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Angelo’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be held on Friday morning, October 29, 2021 at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St., Utica. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the Siegenthaler Center of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at https://hospicecareinc.org/donate-online; envelopes will also be available at the service. Interment will follow graveside in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Mr. Angelo "Gialino" Cacciotti

January 5, 1933 - October 21, 2021