Mr. Elmo G. "Elmer" Caniato

Mr. Elmo G. “Elmer” Caniato, age 101, passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2016, as his spirit rose to the Lord. At the time of his passing, he was in the hearts of those he loved the most. Born in Utica on November 23, 1914, Elmo was the son of the late Cesare and Arsenia (Turazzi) Caniato. He was a proud graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. He humbly participated in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) planting trees to beautify our state. Elmer married the love of his life, the former Anna Trapasso, on June 21, 1941. He recalled what a wonderful, simple, and celebratory life they shared for nearly 35 years until her passing on June 12, 1976. Elmer’s life was renewed in many ways when he wed the former Helen Szymanowski Napoli on February 2, 1985; they enjoyed their golden years together traveling and socializing, and he cared for her until the very day she passed away on April 23, 1993. Elmer was the co-owner/operator of Elmer’s Motor Express for 35 years, along with his late brother, Orlando “Lindy” Caniato, until their retirement in 1978. They worked during an era of life when the working days were long, the winters were harsh, and the successful business they built up came with hard work and humble earnings. His legendary stories of his trucking days live in the hearts of his family. Elmer had a calm nature, a generous heart and spirit, and was the “anchor” of his family. He never found life to be a burden, and he truly had a positive outlook. He was practical, thrifty, and he really never realized that he lived to the young age of 101! The centenarian often posed the question to his family, “Are you sure the math is correct?”. He endeared himself to his beloved daughter, Betty, and watched over her in so many ways. He was so active in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he was the go-to man for all the generations of his family. A God-fearing man, Elmer was a lifetime member St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He cared for his home, stayed active, and enjoyed the years he could walk the mall with his brother-in-law, Freddy. He was thankful that he was able to live at home until just recently, and he drove until the age of 97! Elmer loved a good cigar, a nip now and then, and Chicken Francese with a bottle of Chianti. Elmer held close to his heart the memory of his daughter, Elizabeth “Betty” Giruzzi, who passed away on August 17, 2014. He is survived by his grandchildren, Carla Giruzzi-Keena and Luis Montero, Frank R. Giruzzi III, and Patrick and Wendy Giruzzi; his son-in-law, Francis “Frank” “Beef” Giruzzi, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Patrick James Giruzzi Jr., Parker Vincent Giruzzi, and Elizabeth Zakrison; his sister, Jennie Arcuri; and his step-daughter, Constance Napoli. He also leaves his nieces and nephews, Judy Oropallo, Laurie and Will Petrilli, Frederick and Michele Arcuri, and Louise O’Connell; many great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews. Special recognition is given to Carm Eannace for the great care and friendship she gave to Elmer each and every day while he lived at home. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Orlando “Lindy” and Cora Caniato; brother-in-law, Frederick Arcuri; niece, Arsenia Caniato; nephew-in-law, George O’Connell; and grandson-in-law, James E. “Jim” Keena. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please refrain from floral offerings. A remembrance and reflection of Elmer’s life will commence at the conclusion of visitation, with the Knights of Columbus offering ritualistic services at 5:30. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Elmo G. "Elmer" Caniato

November 23, 1914 - October 2, 2016