David James Saporito

Mr. David James Saporito, age 48, of North Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 27, 2005, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his family by his side. Born in Lackawanna, NY on August 23, 1957, David was the son of James Saporito and the late Helen M. (Devito) Saporito. Raised and educated in this area, he graduated from Kennedy High School. On June 3, 1984, he was married to the former Julie Lannert. The couple shared a joyous union up to the time of his passing. Mr. Saporito enjoyed a remarkable career with the U.S. Navy, one that spanned 20 years and 1 day. His tenure in the service was a highly rewarding opportunity to serve his country, to travel extensively throughout the world, and to do work that was both challenging and fulfilling to him. Upon his retirement from the Navy with the rank of Chief Petty Officer, he returned to Utica. A faithful member of the Maynard United Methodist Church in Marcy, he was a real leader in the spiritual and civic activities of various congregations and groups, including his service as a Marriage and Family Counselor at the New Hartford United Methodist Church. In addition, he was a licensed local pastor and deacon, one who was most conscientious in fulfilling the duties of his religious calling. He also served as counselor and advisor at the Center for Addiction Recovery. "Dave was such a compassionate and loving person. He touched the lives of so many. He will be greatly missed." Among his other interests and contributions, David was also active in several other community organizations which included the Sons of Italy, Post 229 of the American Legion, the United Methodist Men's group, and the Promise Keepers. Mr. Saporito is survived by his wife, Julie M. of N. Utica; his father, James Saporito and his wife, Donna of Utica; his sister, Janice R. and Zeke LeFrois of Verona; his stepchildren, Michael, Joie, and Jamie; and his grandchildren, Jason and Faith. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Jenny Doti, Anthony Saporito, Frank and Nicki Saporito, Betty Whitaker, Mavis Saporito, and Angie Doti; many nieces, nephews, and a number of cousins, especially acknowledging John Doti. He also leaves many special friends, the members of his church family, and his beloved pet and lap buddy, Radar. The family offers its sincere thanks to Beth and Chris in the ICU at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center: their care and compassion were supportive, comforting, and greatly appreciated. Visitation will be held on Friday (today) from 5-8 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Please consider memorial donations in Dave's honor to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to support their valuable research; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. Saporito's funeral service will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Maynard United Methodist Church, 9624 Maynard Drive, Marcy. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery on Tuesday, January 3, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. "Dave, you had such a unique sense of humor, but you always made us laugh. We love you."

David James Saporito

August 23, 1957 - December 27, 2005