Mr. Clyde J. "Tony" Tricca

UTICA - Mr. Clyde J. “Tony” Tricca, age 87, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in the comfort and dignity of his home with his family by his side. Tony was born in Utica on January 26, 1936 to the late Secondino “Dino” and Catherine (Bartolotti) Tricca. He attended Conkling Elementary School and was a graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. In 1953, he heroically answered the call to serve his country in the U. S. Air Force, where he served loyally for 10 years. He was a veteran of the Korean War, and served in Okinawa and the Philippines. He was an Air Force Mechanic, serving as Crew Chief, which set the stage for the years of his life that followed. Tony was blessed with three children and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Together, the family forged many beautiful memories, and took countless outings together. He will be remembered by them always. A self-taught “gear head,” after the service he dedicated himself to acquiring more skills working on automobiles. He was an auto man through and through, and extremely particular in his work. He began building cars, buying and selling, and later landing a job as lead mechanic at Martin Volkswagen for an extended period. Eventually, he knew the time had come to be his own boss and Classic Motors located at 427 Main St., NY Mills was established. This endeavor enjoyed great success. Classic cars were his passion. He received many awards for work he had performed on these masterful vehicles. He also worked for City Suburban and enjoyed working part time for M & R Heating until he was 83 years old. An outdoorsman as well, he loved camping, boating, water skiing, hiking, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, and motorcycling. He had a sport for every season! He cherished his time among the peace and beauty of Hinckley Lake, Sylvan Beach, and Brennan Beach. He would also embark on getaways with his great friends, Archie Gaetano, Louie Falvo, Bill Demma, and Phil Durante. These guys skied, ate, and had an overall great time together. They were full of life, had no drama, and lived life to its absolute fullest. He also had an extremely close friendship with Ed and Betty Laveck. Tony was also an entertainer at heart. He loved his Black Velvet, being on the dance floor, hosting parties, and grilling Hoffman’s hot dogs to perfection. All who knew Tony, knew him to be a dependable person, and he always outdid himself in generosity. He loved his siblings, was a wonderful father, grandfather, and mentor to so many. Tony placed his faith in his Catholic upbringing. Tony is survived by his siblings, Rose Ambrose and the late Paul Ambrose, Angelo and the late Ann Tricca, Gloria Galligano and the late Michael A. Galligano, Jr., and Anna S. Tricca. He leaves to cherish his memory his children and their loves, JoAnne Ambroselli, Melissa Alvarado, Marlena Capparelli, and Mark Capparelli and Kimberly Smith; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Paul Ambrose, Larry Ambrose, and Mark Ambrose; Cathy A. Galligano, and Michael J. Galligano, Sr., with whom he was exceptionally close; Michael thought of him as a loving and fun uncle. He was preceded by his niece, Sandra Galligano. He is also survived by his great-nephews, Angelo Donato, and Michael J. Galligano, Jr.; cousins, Michael Mazzi, and Anthony Mazzi. He was preceded by a fantastic friend, Louie Gaetano. He also leaves his partner, Geri Bardo; and Geri’s daughter, Dawn Mykel. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Tony’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life with Military Honors conferred on Friday August 4, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 684 Jay St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Tony’s honor may be made to Feed Our Vets online at www.feedourvets.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service.

Mr. Clyde J. "Tony" Tricca

January 26, 1936 - July 30, 2023