Giovanni B. "John" DeVincenzi

Mr. Giovanni B. (Battista) “John” DeVincenzi, who was affectionately known to his family as “Nino,” age 67, of Marcy, passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center after a long illness. Born in Ceprano, Italy on April 14, 1939, Giovanni was the son of Teresa Fortuna and the late Augusto DeVincenzi. As a teen-ager he learned the art of masonry from his father. When he was 18 years old, he relocated to France where he worked to support his family. It was there that he met his future wife in a movie theater. On February 1, 1964 he was joined in marriage with the former Denise Y. Dubreuil. Prior to her passing on May 10, 2005, John and Denise shared a 41-year union filled with mutual love and devotion. In 1969 John brought his wife and daughters to the U.S. and settled in Utica. A master of his craft, he was self-employed, working throughout the area as a mason. He took pride in his craftsmanship, in his professional achievements, and in the pleasure and satisfaction he brought to his clients through his efforts. In addition, John was greatly respected for his talent and integrity, and he enjoyed a well-earned status for the quality and artistry of his work. His excellent reputation for creativity and craftsmanship is well represented by his contributions to the artistry and design of many buildings and structures throughout greater Utica. Surpassing John’s noteworthy career accomplishments, his roles as husband, father, and grandfather were the source of his greatest satisfaction and joy. By teaching his family the concept of the same honorable work ethic that had been so instrumental in his own career, he paved the way for his family to succeed as well. In return, he was loved and respected by his wife and his children for his work, for his guidance, and for his support. Naturally adept at languages, John spoke Italian, French, English, and Spanish, all with accomplished fluency. Among his many leisure activities, he especially loved gardening and took great pride in the annual bounty of his harvest. He also enjoyed hunting and watching wrestling on TV. A very special interest and pastime to which he devoted a great deal of time and attention was caring for his prized possession, a 1975 Buick. He was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. Mr. DeVincenzi is survived by his mother, Teresa Fortuna; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Marie-Therese and Dennis Pattillo of Seal Beach CA, and Linda M. and Brian Romano of Oriskany NY; and his grandchildren, Danielle D. DeVincenzi, Gabriella Pattillo, Dominic Romano, Michael Romano, and Isabella Romano. He cherished in his heart the memory of his granddaughter, Bianca Rose Romano, who preceded him in death. John was the oldest of nine siblings: he is survived by Cleo DeVincenzi-Feralo of Utica, Maria Iori and her husband Joseph of Canada, Gulianna DeVincenzi and her husband, Mario, Marinella DeVincenzi and her husband, Roberto, and Romano DeVincenzi, all of Italy; his mother-in-law, Simone Douvry of France; and a number nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, including those who live locally and those who live in Italy and Canada. He also leaves many special friends, including his hunting buddies, Joe Plado and Peter Busa, as well as Anna and Mario Faraoni who are devoted family friends, and his special friend Salam. He was predeceased by siblings, Mario DeVincenzi and Alba DeVincenzi. Visitation will be held today (Friday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in John’s name to the American Cancer Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. DeVincenzi’s funeral will commence on Saturday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Grandview Cemetery, Whitesboro.

Giovanni B. "John" DeVincenzi

April 14, 1939 - May 24, 2006