Mr. James P. Bombace Sr.

Mr. James P. Bombace, Sr., age 89, of NY Mills, passed away on Friday, May 6, 2011 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of his family. Born in Utica on June 20, 1921, James was the son of the late Antonio and Angelina (Falco) Bombace. He also knew the love and guidance of Maria (Tucciarone) Bombace. Raised and educated in Sauquoit, he graduated from Sauquoit High School Class of 1940. During the Great Depression, he was a proud member of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) working to implement natural resource conservation programs in rural areas. On October 25, 1952 he married the former Florence Nasbe, a loving union of 58 years. They met while working at the Julliard Textile Mill and after they wed they were inseparable, a perfect complement to one another, with never a cross word spoken between them. She was forever his bride. A strong willed, hard working man, James always held two jobs concurrently to support his family. He worked at Savage Arms, and for many years at Steinhorst Welding and Fabrication, a position which he loved. He was also employed by Bossert Manufacturing as a Welding Foreman, the position from which he retired. Later on, he owned and operated the Top Hat Laundromats in Whitesboro and Utica. He worked just as hard at his leisure activities – he was an avid horseracing fan especially fond of the Triple Crown and the Kentucky Derby, which this weekend he watched from heaven. He rooted enthusiastically for the Yankees and the Mets and was a member of the Mohawk Valley Racing Pigeon Club raising his own pigeons with the help of his boys. He loved to sit with his friends at the Keno area of Turning Stone Casino to talk, but not to gamble. At home, he had a fondness for tinkering with anything that needed to be fixed. He especially loved his vegetable and flower gardens, impeccably maintaining them, with never a weed in sight. He was also fascinated by bee hives and had an incredible desire to obtain a hive for his own backyard. This was a testament to his easy going ways and love of nature. James held a strong belief in God and fate and studied the Bible passionately throughout his life. He was secure in his faith and religious principles. James is survived by his wife, Florence; his sons and daughters-in-law, James P. “Jim” Jr. and Jean Bombace of NY Mills, and Donald and Jody Bombace of Canandaigua; and his grandson, Christopher Bombace. Always cherished in his heart was the memory of his grandson, Brandon, who preceded him in death. His four boys were his pride and joy. He also leaves his sister and brother-in-law, Angeline “Angie” and Lawrence “Larry” Boak of FL; his step-brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Eleanor Tucciarone of Clinton; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Anna Tucciarone, and Ellen Grosjean. He was predeceased by his sisters and brother-in-law, Rose Bombace, and Virginia and Leon Ingalls; his brothers, John Bombace, and Ferdinando “Fred” Bombace; step-brother, Angelo Tucciarone; brother-in-law, Dick and Betty Nasbe; many in-laws including Lowell Grosjean, and Frank and Bert Constabile; and his special canine companions, Princess, Dixie, and Scooby Doo. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all of James’ longtime friends and special neighbors; the nurses and doctors of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Emergency Room and the 5th floor staff; and the personnel at the St. Luke’s Home. A special thanks to Dr. Kalil, Dr. Clark, Dr. Shaikh, Dr. Nelson, Dr. Capuana, Dr. Blaker, Theresa Appler LPN, and Carol Yocum, Visiting Nurse Association Nurse Linda Kula and Health Care Aid Darlene Mack. The care and compassion you showed to Dad and us was comforting during this difficult time. A very special thank you to James’ “third son”, George Majka and his wife Sandy, Tina and Jack, Mary Lou and Pete and “Chowder House Jim.” Visitation will be held Monday from 10:00-11:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. James’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 11:00 immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Brother Ed officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. James P. Bombace Sr.

June 20, 1921 - May 6, 2011