Mr. Armando V. "Arfe" DiStefano

UTICA/CLINTON - Mr. Armando V. “Arfe” DiStefano, age 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on September 1, 1928, Armando was the son of the late Alfred and Rose (Sattarelli) DiStefano. He received his primary education at Wetmore Elementary School. At a young age, he began his admiration and affinity for automobiles, working at the gas station at the corner of John Street and Oriskany Boulevard. He later opened his first service station at Bleecker Street and Kossuth Avenue. One day, through an introduction by a family member, Arfe met his future wife, Pauline Morgia, under an apple tree and extended an invitation to take her on a date. He knew she was his “one and only”, so he courted her, and on September 27, 1948 they were wed in a blessed union filled with mutual love and respect. From their humble beginnings they supported each other’s ventures, dreams, and visions. Theirs truly was a traditional marriage of their era, the Greatest Generation, who lived by the adage “It’s the hardships of life that form our true character”. Arfe was a self-taught mechanic by trade, and the Cadillac his father bought him was the first automobile he disassembled and re-assembled, leaving behind a few stray nuts and bolts. He never did actually find out where the nuts and bolts belonged. He loved Cadillacs and always wanted the newest model, and with his eye for detail, his 1962 pink 4-door Caddy was his favorite! A sharp entrepreneur, his business savvy led him to purchase his first gas station on the corner of Lansing Street and Jefferson Avenue which he owned and operated until 1966. He then relocated to Court Street and Sunset Avenue where his reputation and patrons followed him as he once again provided a premier full-service station. In November of 1977, during the economic gas crisis, he persevered and saw an opportunity to establish himself at a new location at the corner of Oxford Road and Genesee Street in the town of New Hartford. He was so proud of all his endeavors, but this location was ideal and one of his greatest accomplishments. It was a highly successful venture, and his hard work ethic and expertise were evident in all his service station locations. Although Arfe retired in 1999, he concurrently drove a school bus for the New Hartford School District, a job that spanned 42 years! It was a rewarding endeavor ~ he loved the kids, and they loved him. In 2011, he really retired to spend time with his wife. He found a new home that he loved on Center Road in Frankfort, and he knew that this would be the time that he could now start to enjoy years with his grandchildren that gave him the greatest pleasure that any man could ask for. It was here that he also meticulously tended to mowing the lawn on his riding mower. To Arfe’s credit, all these enterprises, efforts, and endeavors were accomplished through self-motivation, well-calculated thoughts, and determination. He was a powerhouse, a source of strength, and a foundation for his children and grandchildren, …emotionally and physically. His generosity reached great destinations, always done in a quiet and unassuming way. He found gratitude in his heart when he helped others. He managed to put family first, no matter what. Their Hinckley Lake family camp was such a wonderful source of summer memories and the best times of their lives. He traveled with Evel Knievel and was the driver of his Rolling Museum. When the Woodstock anniversary was held in Rome, NY, he was asked to be the transport person for the celebrities who performed. His personality and confidence stood out in working in these venues, yet he was private and very humble at the same time. Arfe enjoyed constructing model cars, and he was an accomplished bowler at the popular mid-century Madison Bowling Lanes on Kossuth Ave. He loved listening to music, from country tunes to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin croons. Arfe was a huge history buff with a special interest in World War II, and also the history of Utica including the people and events involved in it. Christmas Eve was always special, as family and friends filled the house to the brim with cheer, conversation, and celebration. Although bountiful, traditional Italian food filled the menu, it was the company that made it the best of times. This past Christmas Eve was a blessing because everyone was together and the old holiday traditions prevailed. The common denomination was the love of family. Armando is survived by the love of his life, his wife Pauline; his children and their spouses, Roseanne and Mert Wood, Susan and Raymond Testa, Donna Toussaint and his son-in-law, Tim Toussaint, Alfred “Fred” and Lisa DiStefano, David and Marie Bialek, and Michael Bialek, Sr.; grandchildren, Jennifer and Chuck Ellixson, and René and Sean Carone; Amanda and Dominick Cittadino, Tommy Artessa, and Ray Testa; Jessica and Michael Brower, and Derek Toussaint; Shane DiStefano, and Nathan DiStefano; Alexandra Bialek and Lauren Bialek; and Michael Bialek, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Sophia; Gabriella; John, Michael, and Luca; Giavanna, Isabella, Angelina, Ava Grace, Natalia; Bianca, and Tianna; and great-great-grandchildren, Anakin, Gianni, and the anticipation in June of his third great-great-grandchild. He was preceded by his siblings, Lena “Linda” and Frank Luciano, Mary and Al DiCesare, Sr., and his infant brother Joseph Antonio, who passed shortly after birth. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; in-laws, Agnes Natali, and John and Rosalind Morgia. He was preceded by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dominick and Assunta Morgia; and numerous in-laws. The family would like to acknowledge Nancy Ellinwood, a lifelong friend who became family. The family will always cherish Nancy’s love, support and dedication to Arfie and his family. The family extends their sincere gratitude to primary physicians, Dr. Hugh Macisaac, Dr. Karishna Circelli; and the doctors, nurses, and staff of MVHS at St. Elizabeth Campus, 4th Floor Immediate Care Unit, especially acknowledging Nurse Abby; all were so attentive and devoted to Arfe’s needs. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Armando’s funeral service and Mass of Christian Burial will commence on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 9:45 am from the funeral home and at 11:00 am at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Arfe’s honor may be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Association online at https://www.michaeljfox.org or the Frankfort Center Fire Department online at https://www.frankfortcenterfire.com/donate. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. The family will escort him to his place of rest in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Armando V. "Arfe" DiStefano

September 1, 1928 - April 27, 2022