Mr. James J. "Jim" Piccola, Sr.

UTICA – On Friday, August 30, 2024, Mr. James J. “Jim” Piccola, Sr., age 85, was greeted in eternity by the love of his life, his wife Phyllis. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by the comfort of his family with his beloved New York Yankees playing a victorious game on the television. A lifelong Utican, Jim was born on February 18, 1939, the son of the late Vincent “Jim” and Adeline (DeMartino) Piccola Guarnieri. A proud graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1957, he was involved in the planning of many class reunions. He always felt that Proctor possessed the ability to be the platform for the education of many successful people. On April 8, 1961, Jim joined in matrimony with his high school sweetheart, the former Philomena M. “Phyllis” DeVito. During their 48 years, they were committed to one another and inseparable until her passing on December 27, 2009. Jim continued his education at MVTI (now MVCC) and earned his BA in business administration from SUNY of Utica/Rome. He began his career with the Oneida County Department of Social Services in 1961 where he served as Deputy Commissioner of the department from 1964-1975 along with Commissioner Michael J. McGuirl. Jim then departed from the county to head social services/discharge planning at St. Elizabeth Hospital until his retirement in 1998. He was truly proud of the assistance he gave to the people in the county and community who needed it. A true gentleman with great strength of character, Jim was an admirable and trusted man who lived by his words and actions. He was above all a loving and supportive father. He and his wife were amazing parents, serving as a united front supporting their children. When grandchildren came along, he happily accepted the title of “Papa,” and he and Phyllis were instrumental in nurturing their grandchildren in their formative years. It started with day care and continued to attending sporting events and school activities, never missing any special occasion. His heart truly belonged to his wife, children, grandchildren, and in-laws, the DeVitos, who never forgot him, and he looked forward to spending as much time with them as he could. Jim participated in several bowling leagues and concluded the evening with a friendly game of cards at Pin-O-Rama. He was also an avid golfer, with Valley View as his preferred fairway. A member of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, he knew and loved the Lord, attended daily Mass, and was a Eucharistic minister in later years. Jim is survived by his children and their spouses, James J., Jr. and Kathleen Piccola, Vincent J. and Denise Piccola, and Kelly Ann Budlong (the late Timothy Budlong, who passed away on July 5, 2018); grandchildren, Ryan Piccola, Marissa Piccola and fiancé Erik Harris; Vincent J. Piccola, Jr., and Jennifer Lynn Piccola and Jasman Dragovic; beloved nieces and nephews, John A., Jr. and Deidra DeVito, and Kelly J. and Michelle DeVito and their families; the blessing of many cousins; sister-in-law, Eleanor DeVito; and a multitude of friendships that he held dear and were blessings to him throughout his life. He was additionally predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kelly and Antoinette (Treta) DeVito; and brother-in-law, John A. DeVito, Sr. The Piccola family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Sudershan Dang, Jim’s longtime physician; Dr. Michael Kelberman; the staff of Wynn Hospital, 6th Floor West for their care, affection, and kindness, which the family will always remain mindful of; the Abraham House for the level of comfort, home-like environment, and respect they provided, the family knew Jim was safe and in great care ~ may God bless the mission of this amazing establishment; and to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for their planning skills and attention to Jim’s needs. The family will honor and commemorate his life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend James’ Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Jim’s honor may be made to the Abraham House online at www.theabrahamhouse.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. James J. "Jim" Piccola, Sr.

February 18, 1939 - August 30, 2024