Carlo P. "Carl" DeFazio

Mr. Carlo P. “Carl” DeFazio, age 79, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2007, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on September 2, 1927, Carl was the son of the late Joseph and Grace (Domanico) DeFazio. He was raised and educated locally, and in 1948 graduated from T. R. Proctor High School where he participated in track and field. On July 4, 1956 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, he was united in marriage with the former Flora N. Rubino with whom he shared a 50 year union. The couple had a unique relationship that balanced their love and respect for each other and family life. Carl was a barber by trade. As a teenager, he followed in the footsteps of his father and became the owner of DeFazio’s Barber Shop located at 785 Lansing St, a place he considered his second home. Carl’s beloved patrons knew him to be a good listener as well as a conversationalist. He was a genuine and humble man who laced his wisdom with humor. He was hospitable, responsible, and was appreciative of what his hard work ethic brought his family and his business. Many would remember him concentrating on his crossword puzzles and word searches, playing the harmonica and accordion, and enjoying Italian and polka music, especially on Sunday mornings. He was also an accomplished history buff. A loving family man, his home was his castle and all he wanted in life was ‘peace and contentment’. He valued his “Sunday drives” as an opportunity for his family to be together. Carl’s great accomplishment in life was to have raised a family who respected and honored him. In this he succeeded. His leisure activities included fishing, bowling; golfing, and football which he enjoyed watching on television. Carl was proud of his garden and the plants that were started from seeds in the comfort of his barber shop. He was a communicant of the parish’s of St. Agnes Church and St. Anthony of Padua Church. Carl is survived by his devoted wife Flora; his daughters and son-in-law, Carol Ritchie of Utica, Grace and Joseph Bouse of Utica, and Esther Rindenello of New Hartford; and his son, Joseph J. DeFazio of North Utica. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Irene DeFazio. Also surviving are his 3 beloved grandsons of whom he was so proud, Paul J. Rindenello of Albany, Michael Rindenello of New Hartford, and John Matthew Ritchie of Utica; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Angeline and Anthony Mattia of Utica, Marie Pugliese Capra of Utica, and Jessie and Raymond Lechevet of New Hampshire. His extended family includes his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, many godchildren, cousins, and his in-laws, Rose and Ralph Jackson of Florida, Jo Lucy and Paul Zakala, Mary Rubino, and Santo Rubino, all of Rome. He was also blessed with many special and loyal friends and customers. He held a very longtime and blessed relationship with Sister Rose Vincent and Sister M. Johanna. He loved the family “pets” and considered the time he spent with them as precious. He was predeceased by his brother, Carlo; his sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Kelly Durse, and his in-law, Giovanna “Jennie” Rubino. Sincere thanks are extended to Carl’s physicians; Dr. Sudershan K. Dang, Dr. Atul Butala, Dr. Emile Wassel, Dr. Faina Sherman, Dr. Thomas Mathew, Dr. Sushma Kaul, Dr. James Bramley, and long time family physician Dr. Samuel T. Rubino, for their outstanding commitment. Also the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Dialysis Unit, the Faxton Regional Cancer Center, and the Heritage Health Care and Rehabilitation Center for the quality and excellent care rendered to Carl by all who attended him. Gratitude also to Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Willenburg, Father Anthony P. LaFache, Father John Comesky, and Brother Ed Bick, for their prayers and spiritual support. Visitation will be held on Sunday (today) from 2-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Carl’s funeral will commence on Monday 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. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Carlo P. "Carl" DeFazio

September 2, 1927 - February 8, 2007