Benjamin "Papa Ben" Tucciarone

Mr. Benjamin "Papa Ben" Tucciarone, of Utica, lived exactly 88 years and passed away on his birthday, Sunday, March 8, 2009, at the Masonic Care Community of NY. Born in Utica on March 8, 1921, Benjamin was the son of the late Anthony and Faustina (Pirolozzi) Tucciarone. He was raised and educated in Utica. A veteran of World War II, he served his country in the U. S. Army stationed in Germany, where he was also an amateur boxer. On August 30, 1941 he married the former Virginia Ciufo with whom he shared 67 years; they enjoyed the precious moments of life and shared similar desires and pastimes. Ben was employed as a technician at the General Electric Company Bleecker Street location. He was skilled in electronics and was a true handyman. He was also artistically and musically inclined, and the combination of his talents led him to a diverse and fulfilled life. Ben was blessed with a sense of patience, a kind heart, and proved to be a good family man; he was a man for all seasons. His favorite holiday was Christmas Eve, a time when family and loved ones gathered. His hobbies included fishing, mushrooming, gardening, bowling, and painting. He was the best “pustie” maker, and he loved animals. Ben is survived by his wife, Virginia; his daughter, Tina Sterling; and his son, Anthony F. Tucciarone, all of Utica. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Joanne P. (Curcio) Tucciarone, who passed away on September 23, 2006. He also leaves his grandchildren, Christine Sterling and Michael Mirarchi, Mark and Carol Sterling, Nicole Sterling; Anthony “Tony” Tucciarone and Sherri Rowe, and Jim Tucciarone; and his 10 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Madeline and Vito Garofalo. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Pasquale and Viola Tucciarone. The family is grateful to the staff of the Manhattan household at the Masonic Care Community of NY for their kindness and compassionate assistance. A special note of appreciation is shared with Sherri Rowe, for her attentive concern for both Papa Ben and Virginia. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Ben’s funeral service will commence on Thursday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Military Honors. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Benjamin "Papa Ben" Tucciarone

March 8, 1921 - March 8, 2009