Mr. George Joseph Buccolo

NEW HARTFORD – Mr. George Joseph Buccolo, also known as “Papa”, cherished father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, left this world on Thursday, October 10, 2024 (which was his mother’s birthday), at the age of 93. Born in Utica on April 29, 1931, George was the son of the late Joseph S. and Julia (Terenzio) Buccolo. As a young man he was a very energetic youth who enjoyed athletic pursuits, including football, ice skating, and most prominently baseball. Later in life he enjoyed gardening, birdwatching, tinkering around the house, and playing golf. George graduated from The Manlius Military Prep School in Manlius, NY, where he excelled in multiple sports. He also attended Virginia Tech and was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He then went on to work in the family foundry business at Utica General Jobbing Foundry, where he worked his way up to General Manager. It was a job demanding both physical labor and expertise in management and communication skills. After the closing of the foundry, George went to work as a sales and service engineer for New Jersey Silica Sand in Melville, NJ for three years and then for Bryant Core Sands in McConnellsville, NY for 25 years until his retirement. George was very knowledgeable and well respected in his field. He called on foundries both large and small including General Electric in Schenectady and Ingersoll Rand in Corning. During this time, he developed many close professional and personal friendships with people he met throughout all of Central New York, New England, and Pennsylvania. George embraced fatherhood as he raised his children. He was always there for them through thick and thin and taught them to enjoy every moment life has to offer. George had five children from his first marriage. He then married the love of his life, Theresa Jean Scalise, on August 8, 1969, with whom he shared a loving 49-year relationship prior to her passing on February 10, 2019. He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Joseph (Debra) Buccolo, Jocelynne (Roy) Rawson, Kimberly (Mark) Connors; four grandchildren, Stefanie (Matt) Buono, Julia Sirianni (Rufus Casaletta), Samuel Connors (Claudine Lim), and Elliot (Taylor) Connors; two great-grandchildren, Bradley, and Mara Buono; brother, David Buccolo; nephew, David Buccolo; brother-in-law, Jack Iannotta; dear cousin, Lorraine Esposito; and several other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He also leaves his amazing caregivers, Elizabeth, Michael, Andy, Jamie, Angelo, and Vinnie who loved and cared for him with such compassion. Each of them brought him so much joy. He was so very blessed to have had them, and we will be forever grateful to them. He was predeceased by his first-born daughter, Georgine; and his last-born son, Georgie. Our family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Florin Olteanu who was always there for us with constant support and guidance. Thanks as well to the Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. team for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in George’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https:/www.stjude.org/donate or to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at https://hospicecareinc.org/donations; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend George’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave., where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Committal prayers and interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery with Military honors conferred by the U.S. Air Force. Dad/Papa we will carry your memory in our hearts forever. Fly high beautiful soul. This obituary was lovingly written by George’s family.

Mr. George Joseph Buccolo

April 29, 1931 - October 10, 2024