Dr. Edmund Furcinito

Dr. Edmund Furcinito, nearly 97 years of age, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2016 in the dignity of his home with his family by his side. Dr. Furcinito was born in Syracuse, New York on January 2, 1920, son of Samuel and Anne (Cutrone) Furcinito. He was married for 52 years to Anita Halstead until her passing in June, 1999. Dr. Furcinito graduated from Utica Free Academy, Syracuse University, and Syracuse University College of Medicine. He interned at Syracuse University Medical Center. He furthered his training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, DC and later at Belleview Hospital in NYC. He entered the Navy and became Associate Chief of Obstetrics at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia. It was here that he met and married his wife, a U.S. Navy Nurse, on February 16, 1947. After release from the Navy, they returned to Utica, NY where they raised their five children. He opened his private medical practice specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology until his retirement in 1982. He was Chief of Obstetrics at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for many years and in conjunction with the hospital, he founded the first Women’s Prenatal Clinic in central New York to care for indigent women. His children always marveled how he could still remember to his last days the names of his patients when he met them in the community. He always spoke fondly of his nursing staff and continued to enjoy their impromptu visits. Dr. Furcinito was a Diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Fellow of the American College of Surgery. In 1982, he was the recipient of the “Golden Apple Award” for outstanding physician and teacher for St. Elizabeth Hospital and for Family Practice Residents. He was also honored with the “Excelsior Award” from the St. Elizabeth’s Foundation for his dedication to quality healthcare. Dr. Furcinito was a member of Historic Old St. John’s Church, the Knights of Columbus, YMCA, and Cedar Lake Club. He enjoyed bowling and golf. One of his most memorable moments was when he and his son both scored holes in one in the same week on different golf courses. An accomplishment that he cherished was being a member of the Syracuse University Bowling team which won the intercollegiate championship in 1941. Dr. Furcinito was inducted into the Utica Bowling Hall of Fame. Another great passion of his was his love of dogs. There was always a dog or two in his home. Serving as loyal companions over the years were Teddy, Joey, Ben, Benny, Joe, Jasper, Molly, Josie, and Tobey. Edmund’s life was profoundly influenced by his Catholic faith and his deep devotion to Saint Anne. Dr. Furcinito is survived by his five children and their spouses, Anne Marie Cuomo (John) of Richmond, VA, Mary Lourdes Rosato (Sam) of Vestal, NY, Catherine Serkin (Arnold) of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, Christine Furcinito of Liverpool, NY, and Edmund Furcinito (Barbara) of Utica, NY; his eleven grandchildren, Bryon (Meredith) Cuomo, Jonathan (Carrie) Cuomo, Paul Cuomo, Alyssa (Kevin) Hogan, Kristin (Keith) Eberle, Michael (Aimee) Rosato, Nicole (Fernando) Buchner, Jessica (Jason) Ramierez, Jason (Abby) Withee, Edmund Furcinito, and Eva Furcinito. Also surviving are his twelve great-grandchildren, Paul, James, Benjamin, Nicholas, Joseph, Mia, Michael, Chloe, Stella, Nora, Joseph, Makena and Maddox; and his numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families. Additionally, he leaves his beloved friend, Albert Mazloom and the Manca family. He was predeceased by his sisters, Rose Wargo and Irma Caloia. Our family would like to express our love and gratitude to Samija Bektesvic for the special care and friendship given to our dad over the last years of his life; and extend our appreciation to Jasmina Halelovic for her care and support of dad over the past year. In keeping with Edmund’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Dr. Furcinito’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler with Military Honors conferred by the United States Navy. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to Historic Old St. John’s Church, in lieu of flowers; envelopes will be available at the church. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Dr. Edmund Furcinito

January 2, 1920 - December 26, 2016