Mr. Frank R. Canarelli Sr.

UTICA - Mr. Frank R. Canarelli, Sr., age 77, went to Heaven peacefully on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 when he passed away at the Sitrin Health Care Center Magnolia Household. Born in Utica on September 6, 1940, Frank was the son of the late Joseph J. and Sarah (Brescia) Canarelli. He was a graduate of New York Mills High School/Class of 1959 and continued his education at MVCC where he majored in Commercial Art & Advertising. He then enlisted in the United States Army and subsequently served 32 years as a US Army Reservist at the Elihu Root US Army Reserve Center. On May 25, 1963 he married the former Eva Jane Spruill with whom he shared 55 years and were blessed with three sons. They made their marriage a life time commitment and enduring love; they were truly dedicated to one another. In 1965 he accepted a position as a Draft Engineer with the New York State Department of Transportation. He took on additional work in the Public Employee Federation as a representative and a Shop Steward for many years. Concurrently he graduated from Oneida County BOCES as a Licensed Practical Nurse where his leadership skills were seen as he served as President of his class. His medical training was utilized when he was deployed to active duty during the Desert Storm War and was stationed at the Walter Reed Hospital caring for veterans. After 30 years, due to ill health, he retired in 1995 as a Permit Engineer. The Lord granted Frank a great sense of humor, a generous soul, and a grateful heart. He was a hardworking man, an inherent trait he passed on to his children. Determined, meticulous, and knowledgeable, he was creative in maintaining his home and was a perfectionist at all his tasks. His wife and sons cherished him, learned so much from him, and laughed often with him… he was a jokester and always the life of the party. Frank truly enjoyed reading, family gatherings, vacationing, bowling, golf, and fishing with his boys. He volunteered at St. Luke’s Hospital, and delivered Meals-on-Wheels with his wife. In October of 2005, Frank was a recipient of a heart transplant due to the selfless sacrifice of Matthew (his donor); the family will be forever grateful and will always carry him in their heart and prayers. Frank was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. He had a relationship with his Lord, received much comfort from weekly Mass and also viewed televised Mass on EWTN. Frank’s fortitude in fighting for his life was strengthened by his wife who remained by his side to the very end; his boys who were so supportive and made their dad so proud of the men they grew to be; and his 6 grandchildren who surrounded him and raised his spirits because they loved their Poppy so much. These were the ultimate blessings in his life. Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Jane; his sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin and Jaime Canarelli, Michael and Donna Canarelli, and Frank, Jr. and Kathie Canarelli; his cherished grandchildren, Anthony, and Joseph Canarelli, Marissa, and Alexia Canarelli, Samantha, and Alyssa Canarelli; his sister and brother-in-law, Maria and Mark Tubert; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Pat and Rachael Canarelli, and David and Diane Canarelli. He also leaves his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Alva, and Walter Flint; the many dear friends who enhanced his life; always remembering the couples that Frank and Jane socialized with; his Morkie, “Koko”, who was a faithful companion and was always by his side. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Winifred Canarelli, and Joseph and Connie Canarelli; and his in-laws, Grace and Robert Roy, Shirley and Tony Callea, and Charles Spruill; also Frank will be reunited with his “heart buddy”, Mikki, who was a heart transplant survivor and dear friend for 9 years thanks to Frank’s persuasive and uplifting words. The family wishes to thank the staff at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston for their tireless compassion and dedication to Frank’s care; it will never be forgotten; Frank’s primary physician, Dr. Samuel Gooldy and his staff for their continual care; The family appreciated the staff of the Magnolia Household at the Sitrin Health Care Center who were so kind and compassionate. The real miracle was the love, energy, and compassion of his wife Jane and their three sons who always advocated for him and never left his side. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Frank’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta, with Military Honors conferred by the United States Army. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be considered to the American Heart Association, 125 Business Park Drive, Utica, NY 13501 online at http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/; or Feed Our Vets, 195 N. Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502 online at http://www.feedourvets.org/contact/; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

Mr. Frank R. Canarelli Sr.

September 6, 1940 - July 17, 2018