Dr. Francis J. Talarico

Dr. Francis J. Talarico, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of his family by his side. Born in Utica on December 8, 1930, Francis was the son of the late Joseph and Congetta (Tomaino) Talarico. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1949. He pursued his undergraduate work at Utica College of Syracuse University graduating in 1953. He then earned his Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of Bologna, Italy in 1961. Dr. Talarico completed his Internship at St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady under the Albany Medical College Postgraduate Regional Hospital Program and his Internship at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital in New Hartford. Francis honorably served his country as a Colonel in the US Army Reserve. He was Commander of the 330th Medical Detachment and the 331st General Hospital, both in Utica, and Commander of the 364th General Hospital in Albany. In 1956, in Bologna, he married the former Giorgina Stanzani with whom he shared an extremely special relationship. The blessing of their children and grandchildren kept them vibrant and strong --- and very much in love. Dr. Talarico set up his first private practice on Kemble Street and his second location at 400 Rutger Street before joining the staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Emergency Department. He was the youngest of five physicians to establish the first area 24-hour emergency service. He then entered a private practice in Washington Mills that spanned 25 years. He subsequently joined the Sauquoit Community Medicine Center in 1996, retiring in 2000. Dr. Talarico was an outstanding, caring physician who put the needs of his profession before his own. He was a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Practitioners, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the American Geriatric Society, the Army Medical Surgeons of the United States, the Reserve Officer Association, the New York State Medical Association, and the Oneida County Medical Association. During his career, he also served as Oneida County Coroner, Town of Frankfort Health Officer, and Consultant to the U.S. Army Health Professional Support Agency in Syracuse. Dr. Talarico was honored by the Italian government and given the state honorary title of “Cavaliere” for his work encouraging many local professionals to study and acquire their education in Italy. Francis was endowed with great strength of character and determination, attributes vital to his personal and professional life. He was a man of science, yet above that, he was a man of God. Dr. Talarico was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. A supportive patriarch to his loving children, he suffered with them during their trials and supported them in their dreams. In addition to his family, he was an advisor and confidante to many. A lover of great food, he especially adored his wife’s culinary skill. He upheld the tradition of gathering as a family which is honored and continued by his children and grandchildren. Dr. Talarico was a voracious reader, and possessed a great sense of curiosity, a trait that can be found in the generations that survive him. Francis is survived by his devoted wife, Giorgina; his daughter and son-in-law, Rosemarie and Michael Pezzolanella of Frankfort; his sons and daughters-in-law, Francis J. Jr. and Dee Talarico of Frankfort, Kenneth S. and Lorraine Talarico of Rome, and John F. and Betsy Talarico of Fayetteville. Always close to his heart was the memory of his son, Joseph F. Talarico, who preceded him in death on January 10, 2000. He also leaves a loving legacy to his grandchildren and their families, Francis Pezzolanella and Kati Potenski, Maria Giorgina Pezzolanella; Francis J. Talarico III and Brianne Toussiant, Andrew Talarico, Amanda Talarico; Kenny Talarico, and Gianna Talarico; Sara Talarico, Mia Talarico, and Alex Talarico; and his sisters and brother-in-law, Marie Heistand, and Rose and Kenneth Zacek, all of Utica. His extended family includes his cherished nieces and their families, Debbie and Gary Cusano, Kathy Torbitt, and Natalie Beratta. He also leaves behind many fondly remembered cousins. Francis was blessed with many friendships throughout his life, especially longtime friends Fred and the late Virginia (Pinky) Alsante, and the late Frank Rinaldi. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Fred Talarico, an outstanding physician and loyal colleague, Pat Rosati, Nurse Practitioner, and their staff; the personnel at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Intensive Care Unit, and the Special Care staff for their compassion, respect, and dignity. They often noted that he was “one of their own”. Also, while at home, his family was aided by the assistance of Caregivers, especially Sue Delany who provided exceptional care and support. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Dr. Talarico’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday afternoon at 12:00 from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum privately and at the convenience of the family.

Dr. Francis J. Talarico

December 8, 1930 - January 29, 2013