Mr. Arthur L. "Archie" Gaetano, Jr.

UTICA – Mr. Arthur L. “Archie” Gaetano, Jr., age 76, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, and was reunited with his beloved relatives who had gone before him. At the time of his passing, his loving family was by his side. Born in Utica on June 14, 1948, Archie was the son of the late Arthur L. Sr. and Carol (Bruni) Gaetano. He was raised and educated locally and graduated from New Hartford High School. Archie would later go on to cosmetology school after honorably serving his country in the United States Navy. On June 11, 1977, Arthur wed the former Antoinette Marie Marino. They were the best of friends throughout their nearly 28-year blessed union. The two were truly inseparable! They had the utmost respect for each other and relished their unique love for one another. Antoinette passed away on May 7, 2005. Archie held close the memories of the special Sunday dinners at his in-laws, where the entire family could be found having a good time and was full of laughter. Archie’s employment began when he opened a hair salon, “The Golden Comb,” alongside his dear Antoinette. Afterward, since he was a jack of all trades, he moved on to work at City Suburban and then Haun Welding Supply and Specialty Gasses. He then held employment with Birnie Bus, the position from which he retired. The children he transported brought him great joy in his final working years. Archie was thankful to inherit his strong work ethic from his parents – they instilled in their children love and perseverance. He cherished fond memories of winters spent in Arizona with his parents and siblings. He was outgoing, adventurous, and energetic. People loved Archie for his honesty, loyalty, and work ethic. He was the dad everyone wanted to be around. He had a wonderful sense of direction and awareness, never getting lost on his travels with his friends. He was the man who ensured everyone around him was safe, even though he himself could be a bit of a risk-taker. An automobile enthusiast, Archie had a passion for cars, particularly Corvettes. He also relished time spent building motorcycles and even built a special one for his good friend, Evel Knievel. In the winter, he broke out the snowmobiles, and in the summer, he enjoyed jumping on water skis and partaking in other summer ventures to various amusement parks with his family. Archie later found companionship with Sharleen M. Randall, who passed away on September 30, 2023. The two found each other at just the right time and cared for one another for several years. He was fortunate to share a bond with Sharleen’s daughter, Melissa Capristo. Archie was a faithful believer in God throughout his life. Archie is survived by his precious daughter, Ana Gaetano (her late fiancé Gus Bullock, who passed away on December 10, 2022); grandchildren, Amyah Bullock, Gino Bullock, and his furry grandson, George; sister, Maria Harris; and brothers and sister-in-law, Robert Gaetano, and Mark and Katie Gaetano, and their mother, Mary Ellen Gaetano. He held close in his heart the memory of his brother, Louis Gaetano, who preceded him. He is additionally survived by his sister-in-law, Vita DelBuono, and her love, Steve Altieri, with whom he shared a unique bond. Archie never forgot the love he received and reciprocated from his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony F. and Vita R. (Casullo) Marino; brother-in-law, Patrick A. “Pat” Marino; sister-in-law, Grace Ann Marino. He leaves to cherish his memory his nieces and nephews, Virgil, Robyn, Nicole, Ricky, Arthur, Elouise, Paul, Anthony, and Paul’s son Grayson. He was predeceased by his niece, Alicia Gaetano. He also leaves many great-nieces, great-nephews; cousins, Rick and Phyllis Gaetano, Heidi Vernold, Gale and Terry Westervelt, Stephen Gaetano, and Michelle Gaetano; bonus brothers-in-law, Paul DelBuono, and Mitch Melero; and many special friends, including George Casaletta, Marty and Marilyn Rosado, Dominick Nicotera, who was like a nephew to him, Bill and Nidia Demma, Joe and Joanne Isgro, Phil Durante, Gary and Mary Mancuso, Charlene Middlebrook, Norma “Greens and Beans,” Michelle Gu, Phil Gulla, and Sheila and Kenny Barrett, who the family wishes to acknowledge for their friendship and care. His special friend, Tony Tricca, additionally predeceased him. The Gaetano family would like to thank Dr. Naji El Khoury of New Hartford and Dr. Mashaal Dhir from SUNY Upstate Medical University for their professionalism and compassionate care given to Archie. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Arthur’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. Military Honors will be conferred by the U.S. Navy. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mr. Arthur L. "Archie" Gaetano, Jr.

June 14, 1948 - January 29, 2025