Mr. Felipe "Chote" Irizarry

UTICA – Mr. Felipe "Chote" Irizarry, age 87, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024, with his loving wife and family by his side. Born on February 5, 1937, to the late Pablo Juan and Venera (Molina) Irizarry, he spent his childhood on a farm known as the Hacienda del Rosario in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico. As a young man, he ventured to the U.S., sacrificing to allow others to come to America to make a new life. When he reached adulthood, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served honorably with the U.S. 65th Infantry "Borinqueneers." After his army enlistment, in the 1950s, he moved to East Utica, NY. On June 16, 1962, Felipe married the love of his life, the former Julia “Judy” Colon. The two shared a loving and devoted union of 61 years, where they created many beautiful memories and a truly blessed family life. Felipe was a man of whom it could be said that “he did it all.” After his Army career, he found employment with the NY Bell Telephone Company as a lineman, installing telephone lines. Later, he worked for both Pennsylvania and NY Central Railroads as a track repairman. In the early 1960s, while simultaneously working for the railroads, he opened Phillip's Restaurant at 1015 Bleecker St. in East Utica, serving up delicious American and Puerto Rican food. He would later go on to work for Chicago Pneumatic as a Core Maker in the foundry for a period of 10 years. Lastly, he held a position with V. Ficchi Heating and Air Conditioning as an HVAC Repairman. He also owned several rental properties. He was a man who always kept busy, was involved in many different projects at once, and tended to them all with dedication. In his leisure time, Felipe enjoyed fishing, especially at Chippewa Bay. He could also often be found taking trips to the casino with his nephews. He also enjoyed the excitement of the horse racing at Vernon Downs. He spent his vacations visiting his three children Phillip, Oscar, and Noemi, his six grandchildren, and his eight great-grandchildren. A member of Historic St John's Church, he was a man of strong faith, character, work ethic, and moral conviction. He was truly a proud American patriot who befriended everyone he met. His life exemplified the American dream. Felipe is survived by his devoted wife, Judy; and his sons and daughters-in-law, Phillip and Carol Irizarry, and Oscar and Shellie Irizarry. He treasured the memory of his beloved daughter, Noemi Irizarry Goeckel, who passed away just one month ago on March 4, 2024. His loss is also felt by his grandchildren, Kara and Aaron Ashley, Justin Phillip and Erin Irizarry; Phillip and Jennifer Goeckel, Julia and Devin Anderson; Charlotte Irizarry, and Erin Irizarry; and his great-grandchildren, Aadriana, Julian, Silas, Luke; Angie, Justin, Jr., Johnny, and Isabella. He was proud to know that he was expecting a new great-grandchild in August. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Juan Irizarry, Emilio and Gladys Irizarry, and Enrique and Gloria Molina, Martha Irizarry, Ana Rosa Irizarry; and Carmen Aviles. He fondly remembered his siblings and their spouses who preceded him, Natividad “Nati” “Goly” Irizarry, Elisa M. Disla, Nicolas Irizarry, Pablo M. “Pavin” Irizarry, Anita “Ana” and Manuel A. Zayas, and Santos I. Irizarry Molina and Elsa Molina. He will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was blessed with Philip Geraci and Rita Placanaca Fuller, whom he loved as his own children. He was additionally predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Claudio and Flora (Feliciano) Colon; several nieces and nephews; and his brother-in-law, Aurelio Aviles. The Irizarry family wishes to thank the staffs of the Presbyterian Home for CNY Assisted Living and the Lutheran Home Saul Unit for their unending care and compassion. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Felipe’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence at 1:00 p.m. at Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleecker St. Military Honors will be conferred by the U.S. Army. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Felipe "Chote" Irizarry

February 5, 1937 - April 5, 2024