Mr. Angelo Papa, Sr.

Mr. Angelo Papa, Sr., age 86, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on October 12, 1929, Angelo was the son of the late Luigi and Angelina (Palladino) Papa. He was raised and educated in Utica, attending local schools. On June 28, 1952, he married the love of his life, the former Clara A. Bendino. They were teenage sweethearts who shared a love like no other. Their union was blessed with 63 years and a lifetime of true love. At one time, Angelo held a position at Griffiss Air Force Base in their Department of Defense, until his retirement. As a patriarch, Angelo was the family ‘peacemaker’ and was always there for his loved ones, a devotion that defined his role as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He was a family man who was honored to be a godfather to many. He taught his family the importance of forgiveness through his loving and caring ways. His robust laughter and his hearty personality filled a room. He enjoyed sharing stories of the past with his family. He cherished the close relationship he shared with his in-laws. Their two-family house became a one-family home when his niece and nephew Annette and Eddie, with whom they shared a special bond over the years, moved in with their children upstairs. He loved tending to his garden and his grapevines. He enjoyed spending summers at the family camp and fishing on Oneida Lake. He looked forward to his Thursday afternoon gatherings with his sons, grandson, and nephew Peter. Angelo was a gifted cook and a connoisseur of Italian cuisine and cultural traditions. He took pleasure in vacationing in Lake George, Florida, New York City and Saratoga with his loved ones. Angelo had an affinity for animals and he loved horse racing. Over the years, he owned several standard breds and was a member of the U.S. Trotting Association. He was an avid sports fan of the Yankees, Giants, and Rangers. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Angelo is survived by his wife, Clara; and his son, Angelo E. Papa, Jr. and Susan Todora of Utica. He cherished the memory of his son, Honorable Louis F. “Louie” Papa, who passed away on April 27, 2013. He also leaves his grandson, Angelo “A.J.” Papa, III and his mother Cyndi Papa; and his brother and sister-in-law, Louis F. and Nancy Papa of Utica with whom he shared a special closeness. His extended family includes his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Betty Bendino, Alice Bendino, Eleanor and Robert “Bob” Leone, and Donna Bendino. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Philomena and Samuel Garfola, Josephine and John Donato, Gloria and Edward Schrader, and Lucy and Peter Duniec, Sr.; his brothers and sister-in-law, Joseph L. and Clara Papa, Edward Papa, and Dominick Papa; and his in-laws, Nicholas Bendino, and Marie E. Bendino. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Angelo’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday 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. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Angelo Papa, Sr.

October 12, 1929 - March 26, 2016