Gilbert R. "Gil" DeStefano

Mr. Gilbert R. “Gil” DeStefano, Sr., age 81, passed away on Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at home under the care of his children. When Gil passed he was surrounded by his entire family which they feel in their hearts was a true blessing. Born in Utica on January 3, 1931, Gilbert was the son of the late Victor and Ella (Ioia) DeStefano. He was raised and educated locally and attended Trade School to master the craft of masonry. In his youth, he was blessed with the mentorship of Jimmy Guzzardo who allowed him to travel the produce route; Gil looked to Jimmy for his parental guidance which helped to mold his character. At one time, he was married to the former Marjorie L. (Esford) and to that relationship came the blessings of their 4 children. Gil’s hard work ethic and passion for his trade as a mason was reflected in his work for various area contractors. He had an intrinsic creative insight with stone work and he performed it to perfection. Knowledgeable and masterful in his craft, he was an advisor to many apprentices. Highlights of his work could be seen in many notable area structures as well as two of his own homes of which he was so proud. He was a member of the Bricklayers Union local #19. His love for his family was paramount. He knew how to love unconditionally and was gentle in his guidance and committed to his children in all ways. He was not only a father who loved them, but he was also their best friend and confidante. Also dear to him was his more than 20 year rewarding and valued relationship with Betty (Garramone) Luciano. To all who knew him, Gil was congenial, genuine, and nostalgic, and his friendships were vast, from his own brothers to co-workers and longtime friends as well as new acquaintances. He assigned nicknames to people as a sign of affection, especially within his family, names that were used for years. He held a deep admiration for his parents and was always proud of his roots. He was an entertainer at heart, and he loved to laugh. Many memories were “locked in his memory bank” of a fleeting moment or a special occasion, and he held them close to his heart. He also believed that we needed to “stop and smell the roses” from time to time. His greatest accomplishment in life was providing for his children’s well-being. During his spare time he enjoyed games of chance, Pin Ball Wizard, the horses, card games, the casino, and rolling the dice. He liked to fish for bullheads using tactics he learned from people in his youth. He also planted a yearly garden which yielded bountiful vegetables including his favorite tasty tomatoes. His spiritual beliefs allowed him to be graceful when he faced life’s challenges. He was devoted to St. Joseph who was the patron saint of workers and craftsmen which seemed so fitting to his life. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Gil is survived by his children, Renee and Chet Maciag of Marcy, Gilbert R. Jr. and Colleen DeStefano of Chadwicks, Denise and Richard “Rick” Hensel of Frankfort, and John D. DeStefano of Rome and his girlfriend Alexandra; his grandchildren, Paul and Alicia Toti, Angela and Chris Tubilewicz; Nicole, Jacob, Joseph, Hannah, Vincent, Dominic, and Thomas DeStefano; Anthony and Gina Hensel, Ricky and Jared Hensel; and his great-grandchildren, Nathaniel; JoAnna, Teresa, and Antonio. Also left to mourn his passing are his brother, Victor L. DeStefano, Sr.; his companion, Betty, and her children and grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, especially acknowledging, Julie and Jim Stephens, Janice DeStefano, Louis and Christine DeStefano, and Sally DeStefano; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, Theresa Pecorello, Fannie Desmarais, Gloria Ambruso, Michael and Roseann D’Alessandro. Gil was blessed with many friends throughout his life sharing a special closeness with his childhood friends, Cosmo LaPolla “Moe Brown”, Tony, and Angelo Giacovelli, the Gimelli girls, Rita Cronian, Joanie Kimball, as well as Victor Valerio, and Dick Hensel. He also honored the memory of many friends who preceded him. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Mario J. and Jane DeStefano, and Gennaro “Dino” and Rosaria “Sara” DeStefano; his infant siblings; nephew Victor L. DeStefano, Jr.; and his sister-in-law, Margaret J. DeStefano. The family is grateful to Dr. Christopher Max, Dr. Tatjana Mondom, Dr. Dominic Aiello, Dr. Francis Constantine and his staff; the nurses and supportive personnel of Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, St. Luke’s Rehab, and the Charles T. Sitrin Rehab, and the Bassett Healthcare Home Care Network. Gil’s spiritual needs were tended to by Rev. Mark P. Kaminski who prayed with him with much reverence, as well as his longtime friend Msgr. Francis Willenburg. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave. Gilbert’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark P. Kaminski. Committal prayers will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum with burial in Calvary Cemetery.

Gilbert R. "Gil" DeStefano

January 3, 1931 - December 25, 2012