Anthony J. "Tony" Farina

Mr. Anthony J. “Tony” Farina, age 63, of Utica, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. Born in Utica on July 13, 1945, Anthony was the son of the late Anthony and Mary R. (Perritano) Farina. He was raised and educated locally and was a graduate of Utica College where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. On October 9, 1971 he married the former Barbara Vivyan with whom he shared 28 years in a loving and devoted union prior to her passing on November 9, 1999. In his earlier days, Tony was involved with the operation of the family concern, Farina Sausage Company on Bleecker St. During his 34-year professional career, Tony was a teacher at Waterville High School, the position from which he retired. As an educator, he was inspirational in his teaching, supportive and encouraging by nature, and eager in volunteering his efforts to tutor anyone who needed his assistance. A loyal man, honest and caring, Tony put the needs of others before his own. He was selfless and dedicated to family, friends, and students, a man whose kindness was well-intended. In addition to his passion for teaching, he was equally enthusiastic about horses and the excitement of horse racing at Vernon Downs Raceway. He valued the many friendships he made with people who had a common interest in the sport and the camaraderie he shared with them. He enjoyed nurturing, raising, and tending his horses – a daily ritual in which he participated following his retirement. He was a director of the Horseman’s Association of Central NY, a position he wholeheartedly cherished. He also treasured his family vacations to Williamsburg, Virginia. He was a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and a member of the choir. Tony is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, Anthony R. and Diane P. Farina of Oneida, and Adam D. Farina of Utica and Marie K. Batchelder of New Hartford; and his grandchildren, Anthony “A.J.” Farina, and Kyler Alexis Farina. Survivors also include his brothers and sisters-in-law, Matt A. and Nancy T. Farina of Delmar, NY, Salvatore N. and Nancy P. Farina of Whitesboro, and Thomas P. and Cindy Farina of Parma, OH; nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Mary Alice and Frank Rowley and their son, C. Matthew Rowley; Mark and Joleen Farina and their daughter, Emma Rae; Stephanie and Terry Kalka and their son, Brandon; Nicole and Jon Freedman, Charles and Heidi Farina, Mary Katherine Farina, Arielle Farina, Stefan Farina, and Holly Farina; cousins, especially Joya Marine, Lil and Chuck Cragnolin, and Jackie and Bruce Romano; mother-in-law, Jane Vivyan of Waterville; in-laws, Deborah T. and Gary Grundman of CA, and Robert “Jim” Vivyan of NYC; and aunts, Rose Gigliotti of Greenville, IL, and Florence Farina of FL. Tony was favored with many special friends, including Dave and Gina Dewhurst and their daughters, Gabrielle and Katie; Stanley Dziekonski, Walt Tilbe, Bob and Mary Byrd, Vinny and Lois Elacqua, Marianthe Kane, Jackie Battista, Dave and Marybeth Fisher, and Carol Okusko. The family is grateful to the staff of the Critical Care Unit at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially Lindsey Gilcrest, for the compassionate care rendered to Tony. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Tony’s honor to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Tony’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum.

Anthony J. "Tony" Farina

July 13, 1945 - February 14, 2009