Anthony J. "Chic" DeFuria

Mr. Anthony J. “Chic” DeFuria, age 87, of Utica, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2008 after a long illness, while visiting his son in Cape Coral, Florida. Born in New York Mills on July 4, 1920, Anthony was the son of the late Louis and Cora (Coriale) DeFuria. He was raised and educated locally. A proud veteran of World War II, he served his country in the U. S. Army Air Corps. On March 23, 1946 he married the former Anne Marie Petronella who passed away on January 19, 1997. The couple enjoyed 50 years of love and devotion to their family. Throughout his working years, Chic was the proprietor, along with Phil Vennero, of the Nu-Look Barber Shop from 1946–1982. He also enjoyed his time spent at the Center Barber Shop in the New Hartford Shopping Center. A soft-spoken gentleman with a lovable laugh, he was blessed with a respectful and robust enthusiasm for life, living each day to its fullest. He was also known to be dynamic on the dance floor. A genuine family man, Chic loved and cherished his grandchildren. He always enjoyed Sunday dinner at his daughter’s home. During his spare time, he pursued the hobbies of woodworking and golf and also enjoyed the serenity of his grapevine. He valued his memberships in local civic and cultural organizations, including the American Legion Post #229, past president of the Sons of Italy Lodge #2054, the Knights of St. John, the North Utica Community Center, and the IAM. He was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Chic is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cathy A. and Guy L. Seminaro of Deerfield; his son, Anthony S. DeFuria of Cape Coral, Florida; his grandchildren, Bethany A. and Ronald Rickard of Oriskany Falls, Anne Marie Seminaro of Deerfield, Anthony J. DeFuria and fiancée Carley Nelson of Utica, and Sara N. and Justin McBride of Liverpool, NY, and their mother Joan M. DeFuria, also of Liverpool, NY; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Gavin Rickard, Jaida McBride, Vincent McBride, and Cora Grace McBride. Survivors also include his brothers and sisters-in-law, Nicholas and Lucretia DeFuria of Deerfield, and Salvatore and Caroline DeFuria of AZ. Also surviving is his companion, Virginia Hardt, with whom he shared a special bond; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Harry Kushner, Claire Casaletta, and Joseph and Betty Petronella. Visitation will be held Thursday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Knights of St. John will gather for ritualistic services at 5:30 p.m., and the Sons of Italy Lodge #2054 will meet at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Anthony’s funeral service will commence on Friday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Military Honors offered by the U. S. Army Air Corps. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Anthony J. "Chic" DeFuria

July 4, 1920 - April 4, 2008