Mr. Earl Harold Dennison

Mr. Earl Harold Dennison, age 66, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2010 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, in the presence of his loving and devoted family. He was born in Utica on March 13, 1944, the son of the late Earl Harold and Sarah “Sally” (Scully) Dennison. Earl, also known as Harold, was raised in Oriskany and graduated from Oriskany Central High School. On June 11, 1966, he married the former Patricia “Patty” DeStante, with whom he shared a devoted 44-year partnership and together they raised their two children. As a couple, they were always supportive of each other’s needs and desires. From the time he was a young man, Harold faced health and mobility challenges, but he refused to accept limits and always lived life to the fullest. After working in Jones’ Soda Shop in high school, he moved on to the American Optical Company after graduation. He was head teller at the downtown branch of the Oneida National Bank. In 1968, he began a distinguished career with the U.S. Postal Service, ultimately being promoted to Supervisory Examinations Specialist in the personnel department. In 1980, he was named Outstanding Handicapped Employee of the Year, U.S.P.S. Eastern Region, an award conferred by the Postmaster General at a ceremony in Washington, DC. He retired in 1987. Harold liked to read and to engage in conversation on matters ranging from the personal to the profound. He interested himself in what was going on in his community and in the world generally. Participating in family activities was an important part of his life. He was sentimental and kind-hearted, as well as quick-witted and fun-loving. Inquisitive and outgoing by nature, Harold enjoyed exploring and loved to travel, both locally and far from home. He was inclined to take long Sunday drives and was known for his great sense of direction and his passion for spending time in the sunshine. When his mobility became impaired, he traversed Utica on his electric scooter and had many adventures. At home, television was his window on the world, keeping up with current events as well as an avid viewer of his favorite programs. At the core of Harold’s heart and key to his strength was his commitment to his Catholic faith. A faithful parishioner of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, he served on the parish council, sang in the choir, as was treasurer of St. Anthony of Padua School. He valued his former membership in the Knights of St. John Commandery #385. In addition to his devoted wife, Patty, Harold is survived by his son, Joseph Dennison and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Docteur, of Alexandria, VA; and by his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Wade Karam of Utica. Other surviving family members include his brothers and sisters-in-law, William and June Dennison of Albuquerque, NM, Fred and Kay Dennison of Oriskany, and Raymond and Sandra Booth of Sarasota, FL; his brother-in-law, Dr. Richard Isele of New Hartford; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins, including Bob and Mary Scully, and Sandra and Al Geer. Harold was close to many members of his wife’s extended family, including Alfred and Jennie Belmont; Nikki, Anthony, and Nicole Fraccola; John V. and Marie Lucarelli; Esther Ann and Alfredo Mazzei; John, Jeanna, John and Lauren Marraffa; Michael and Debbie Belmont; and Angela and Fred Dziezynski. He leaves behind many family friends, including Marie and Jerry Bruno, the Laria family, Donna and Don Kratzenberg, Ondrea, Steve and Carmine “his little buddy” Getz; and Art England. He was predeceased by a sister, Margaret “Peggy” Isele, and by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph J. “Joe the Barber” and Mary (Belmont) DeStante. Harold’s personal caregiver, confidante and dear friend, Joe Salmon, meant very much to him, greatly increasing his confidence and his comfort in his last years. His primary physician, Dr. William Ryan, regularly went beyond the requirements of duty and saw Harold through many medical challenges. Harold benefited from the spiritual guidance of Fr. Anthony LaFache and Deacon Billy Dischiavo. Harold’s family would like to extend their appreciation to the doctors and staff of the Intensive Care Unit at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their compassion and kindness. Visitation will be held Monday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will remain until all visitors have been seen. Harold’s funeral service and celebration of life will commence on Tuesday 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 offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Earl Harold Dennison

March 13, 1944 - December 23, 2010