Mr. Enrico P. "Cheech" Cecilia

Mr. Enrico P. “Cheech” Cecilia, age 95, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at the Presbyterian Home for Central NY. At the time of his passing he was in the hearts of those he loved the most. Born in Morolo, Italy on February 5, 1922, Enrico was the son of the late Ubaldo and Elvira (Pacifici) Cecilia. He immigrated to America at the age of five, settling in Utica where he was raised and educated, a graduate of Utica Free Academy. A proud veteran of the United States Army, he honorably served his country from 1942-1946 during World War II as a Technical Sergeant stationed in the Pacific Theater of Operations. On April 17, 1948 he wed the former Josephine Castelli with whom he shared nearly 69 years in a marriage reminiscent of their Greatest Generation – enduring, devoted, and deeply in love. As each of their children were born, they felt more and more blessed. Cheech began his career years at Savage Arms, Inc. and later worked at the General Electric Company at the Kent Street location. He subsequently accepted a position as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service serving a delivery route in West Utica. Cheech’s work ethic was first-class, and he retired from the workforce in March 1984. He was also a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC). Cheech was a loving patriarch, and his whole life was dedicated to the happiness and well-being of his family. His love for his children was boundless, and family was always the most important part of his life. He gave his children sound financial advice and taught them to buy in quantity to be sure they had enough. His family has fond memories of Cheech enjoying his favorite cigar whenever he could. He was kind-hearted, peaceful, and non-confrontational. Although he had a vocal exterior, he had a gentle soul. Cheech was a charming Santa Claus at Christmas time, always complaining, but always making everyone merry as he dispersed the gifts to his children, grandchildren, and the next generation. During his spare time he loved to work in his garden and make homemade wine, especially his favorite, Zinfandel. He enjoyed spending time at his camp at Beaver River, a beautiful wilderness mountain stream in the Adirondacks. He was a parishioner of The Catholic Community of Whitesboro at St. Paul’s Church. Cheech is survived by his beloved wife, Jo; his children and their spouses, Elvira and Bernard Attili, Bob and Susan Cecilia, Madeline and Thomas Bartyzel, Cynthia and Robert Godemann, and Denise and Alan Wandley. He held close to his heart the memory of his daughter, Debra Stevener, who passed away on April 23, 2002. He also leaves his son-in-law, Russell Stevener, Sr.; his grandchildren, Cecilia and Glenn Slattery, Catherine and Michael Visalli; James Cecilia and friend Staci, Michael and Monica Cecilia; Thomas Enrico Bartyzel; Russell Stevener, Jr. and fiancee Amy, Corina and Robert Chrystie, and Kylene Stevener and friend Tucker; his great-grandchildren, Gianna, Mia and Sophia; Josephine, Nicholas, twins Griffin and Giacomo; Madison, and Kayla; and Vincent; his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Rose Mozzetti. He was predeceased by his brother, Anthony “Tony” Cecilia; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Arthur Flisnik; and his in-laws, Angelo R. and Anna M. Castelli, Anthony and Antoinette Costello, Ann and Henry Paniccia, Elizabeth and Mario Juliano, and Sam Mozzetti. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Joseph Booth for his medical expertise; the personnel of the Presbyterian Home of Central NY, Social Worker Pam, and the entire staff of the Birch Unit, especially Trista, for their patience and compassion in caring for Cheech during his stay; and Fr. Tom Durant for administering the Sacrament of The Anointing of the Sick with piety and grace. The family will honor and commemorate Cheech’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Enrico’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday at 12:00 at The Catholic Community of Whitesboro at St. Paul’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors will be offered by Rev. Thomas Durant. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to Feed Our Vets online at http://www.feedourvets.org or the Stevens-Swan Humane Society online at https://stevens-swan.org, in lieu of flowers; envelopes will be available at the service. Committal prayers and Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery privately.

Mr. Enrico P. "Cheech" Cecilia

February 5, 1922 - February 18, 2017