Mr. Charles R. "Charlie" Piccione

Mr. Charles R. “Charlie” Piccione, age 93, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 24, 2016. At the time of his passing, he was in the hearts of those he loved the most. Charlie was born on a special day, April 1, 1923; it was Easter Sunday, a spiritual day of celebration, and it was also April Fools’ Day, a secular day of celebration. All in all, it was a happy birth day! Charles was the son of the late Pasquale and Mary Rose (Rocco) Piccione. He attended local schools and was proud to have earned his GED later in life. A veteran of the United States Navy, he honorably served his country during World War II stationed in the European Theater of Operations in the area of the Red China Sea on a small landing craft. Charlie was proud of his time in service. On January 14, 1948 he wed the former Doris M. Bowie. As a couple, they sacrificed through their early years for the benefit of their family. They were devoted to each other and celebrated 68 years of marriage this year. They loved each other very much, to the very end… and it all began with a blind date! Charlie worked as a custodian for St. Mary’s Catholic Church on South Street where Pastor Fr. Plecka admired his personality and respected the pride in his work. He was subsequently employed by the Utica City School District in the Custodial Department serving in multiple middle schools until his retirement in 1985. Charlie was light-hearted but reserved when it came to matters of the heart. He didn’t always express his feelings openly, but he demonstrated his love deeply through his good deeds and devotion in providing for his family. As he grew older and wiser, he embraced a more vocal way of declaring that he loved you. As patriarch of the family, he was perpetually prepared to solve any problem. He was a responsible father and his children loved him and honored his guidance. His kindness was a kindred attribute he shared with his mother, who he admired and loved with all his heart. Hailing from a close-knit family, he learned from his siblings to carry on holiday celebrations and the legacy of his heritage, and he hoped his own children would keep the time-honored traditions going. Charlie lived close to the earth; he loved to garden and his family enjoyed the fruits he cultivated, including plentiful pears, peaches, and tomatoes. During his younger days of hunting and fishing, he dined on delicious meals. He was a member of the American Legion/Post #229 and his Catholic creed guided his life. Two of Charlie’s special virtues stood the test of time: through ‘thick-and-thin’ he remained a good husband, and he loved his “Dorie”. He always will… and will forever. Charles is survived by his wife, Doris; his children and their loves, Joseph Piccione, Sandra (Piccione) DiCamillo (his only girl whom he loved unconditionally), Charles “Chuck” Piccione II, Patrick and Ann Piccione, and Michael Piccione (who was his primary caregiver and took care of his father’s needs with such pride). He held close to his heart the memory of his son, John A. Piccione who passed away on December 29, 2010. He also leaves his grandchildren, Karen, and Richard; Ryan and Q, D’Anna, and Nickole “Coco”; Justin, Anthony and Judy, twins Matthew and Jason; Danielle; Frankie, and Michael; and Andrea, and MaryRose; his several great-grandchildren, including Ebonniey, Jay’Dah, Ar’Mannie, and Nyzelle; Mark; Jalyssa, Joseph, and Julian. He will be remembered by his sister, Florence “Fluffy” Hamo; his brother, Rocco A. Piccione; a multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, June and Dick Hardy, Ann Piccione, and Alice Bowie. His friendship with his childhood pal, Joe Rositano, spanned many decades. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Carmela and Paul Sardina, Mary and Dan Olivadoti, Theresa and Robert Marrone, Antoinette and Frank Yacco, Kathryn and Lawrence Hammill, and Josephine Kennedy; brother and sister-in-law, Louis and Beatrice Piccione; brother-in-law, Raymond Hamo; sister-in-law, Delores Piccione; and his in-laws, Ruth and Roy Stone, and Alfred “Buster” Bowie. The family sends sincere thanks to Charlie’s caring physicians, Dr. Leo Sullivan, and Dr. Richard Sullivan of the VA Hospital in Rome, the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, and the Presbyterian Home for Central NY, all of whom were very accommodating, especially Tiffany who was of great support. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please refrain from floral offerings. Charles’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday evening at 7:00 at the conclusion of visitation with Sister Betty Giarrusso, CSJ officiating the ceremony. Inurnment will take place graveside at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Charles R. "Charlie" Piccione

April 1, 1923 - September 24, 2016