Ernest T. "Nini" Karam

Mr. Ernest T. "Nini" Karam, age 77, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with his devoted family by his side. Born in Utica on October 10, 1930, Ernest was the son of the late Tady G. and Ouida (Duon) Karam. He was raised and educated in Utica. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, he served his country from 1951-1953 stationed in Trieste, Italy. On June 13, 1959 he married the former Marian A. Mahana with whom he shared 49 years; they loved each other dearly and were devoted to each other’s needs and concerns in life. Nini worked at the General Electric Co. Broad St. and French Rd. locations during his 33 years of service, retiring in 1988. He was a kind-hearted man who always found the good in others. You could always count on Nini to lend a hand or moral support. A dependable family man, he respected his relationships and held a special fondness for his nieces and nephews. He was a horse racing enthusiast, a sport that he frequented at Vernon Downs and the Saratoga Raceway. And he loved to travel, especially on cruises with his family. He was a parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga Church. Ernest is survived by his wife, Marian; and his daughter, Darlene Ann Karam, a wonderful and devoted daughter who cared for her Dad with much love. Survivors also include his brother, Galeb J. Karam of Utica. Nini was blessed with many nieces and nephews with whom he shared a wonderful relationship. The support and love of the following nieces and nephews was a special blessing: Anthony K. Sfeir, Jr. and family, Diane M. Cecilia and family, Joanne A. and David Taurisano, and Rosanne Hebert and family; his great-nieces, great-nephews, a great-great-niece, Kylee, who adored Nini, and cousins, with special mention of George Sfeir; his in-laws, George and Janet Mahana, and Michael N. Mahana; and longtime and loyal friends, Michael Trunfio, and Sally Abraham. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Lillian and Anthony Sfeir; brothers and sisters-in-law, Wade J. Karam, Fred J. and Agnes Karam, Eugenie “Jeanie” Karam; in-laws, Abdoo and Emily Mahana, and Edward N. “Eddie” Mahana, and his nephew, Ferruccio Cecilia. The family offers a special thank-you to Fr. Bassam Saade for his love, support, and prayers. Visitation will be held Wednesday (today) from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Prayer of Incense will be offered on Wednesday evening at 7:30 at the funeral home. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Nini’s honor to a charity of choice; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Nini’s funeral service will commence on Thursday morning at 10:00 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Bassam Saade, Pastor. Graveside services will follow with Military Honors in Calvary Cemetery.

Ernest T. "Nini" Karam

October 10, 1930 - September 13, 2008