Mr. Angelo J. Saggese

UTICA - Mr. Angelo J. Saggese, age 92, was reunited with his wife when he peacefully passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on June 15, 1926, Angelo was the son of the late Giuseppe “Joe” and Carmella “Cora” (Conte) Saggese. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1944, and it was there that he met Mary Louise, the love of his life. A proud veteran of the United States Navy and a member of the Greatest Generation, Angelo honorably served his country during World War II stationed in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations. On September 8, 1948 he married his true love, the former Mary Louise Santalucia, with whom he shared 65 years prior to her passing on March 31, 2014. They were in sync in life, and sweethearts in love. Angelo was the proud owner of the first retail sporting goods store in Utica, “The Sport Shop” located on Bleecker Street. He was also partners with his brother-in-law, John Zangrilli, in the operation of Minit Car Wash at its two locations, Bleecker St. and Holland Ave. First and foremost, Angelo was a gentleman, respectful and honest to all. He was also a home body and was meticulous in the upkeep of exterior of his home. Words that come to mind when we think about him include generous, kindhearted, and gentle. He was always well attired and admired for his unique and hardworking ways. Angelo and Mary Louise were blessed with a daughter who they doted over, and as life has a way of returning the favor, she was a doting daughter to both her parents. They loved her more than they imagined, and when she matured and married, they were blessed with a special bond with their son-in-law who was so respectful. And when the grandchildren arrived, they were ecstatic and could not do enough to welcome these wonderful bundles of love into their lives. The three generations traveled together, welcomed victories, and weathered challenging times. Through it all, Angelo was always supportive, concerned, and thrilled to walk through life with them from the moment of their birth. He was so proud and often quietly bragged of his grandkids. Angelo was grateful that the Lord gave him the strength to successfully uphold all the responsibilities as patriarch of his family, partner in a business, and proud citizen of Utica. Christmas Eve, and all the holidays were celebrated with great food, festive decorations, faith, and the company of family and friends. They were time-honored traditions of his Italian heritage, memories engrained in their hearts like points of light that connect the past to the present, and never fade away. During his retirement years, he loved traveling with his wife. They also enjoyed their annual trips to Maine with family. He was a lifetime member of the Cedar Lake Golf Club and he loved the fairways and the greens. He also was a staunch New York Yankees fan. Angelo practiced his Catholic faith as a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Angelo is survived by his beloved daughter and son-in-law, Carmelita R. and Paul D. Pimpinella; his grandchildren, Michele Gagnon, and Esq. Paul J. and Dr. Danielle (Bronk) Pimpinella; and great-grandchildren, Gabriella Gagnon, Matthew Gagnon and their father John Gagnon; Lily Pimpinella, and Tate Pimpinella. He also leaves many nieces and nephews especially Fred Alsante, Ronald Saggese, and Mary Lourdes Boden; great-nieces and great-nephews, including Cora Alsante and Joseph P. Chirco, and Fred and Denise Alsante; cousins, and brother-in-law, Geno Santalucia. He was blessed with wonderful neighbors who offered many kind acts for which the family is very grateful. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Frank “Chico” and Victoria Saggese; and his sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary A. Saggese, Rafael “Lula” and Mike King, Philomena and John Zangrilli, and Catherine and Fritz Alsante; nephews, Lou Zangrilli, and Joseph Saggese; and his in-laws, Joseph Santalucia, and Anthony and Dorothy Santalucia. The family extends their sincere appreciation to Dr. Kevin McCormick, and the staff of the Masonic Care Community/Westchester Household for the love and compassionate care rendered to Angelo during his stay. The family honored and commemorated his life at his bedside. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Angelo’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday morning at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of Mass.

Mr. Angelo J. Saggese

June 15, 1926 - December 19, 2018