James Saporito

Mr. James Saporito, age 81, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on March 17, 1927, James was the son of the late Vincent and Antoinette (Cavallo) Saporito. He was raised and educated locally. On November 26, 1949 he wed the former Helen M. DeVito with whom he shared a blessed marriage prior to her passing on March 16, 1973. He was blessed with a second union on January 29, 1978 when he married the former Dorothy Donna Brown; they shared over 31 years in a loving union. In 1943 James obtained a position at the Griffiss Air Force Base in the airplane maintenance department, and from 1945-1946 he served his country with the U. S. Navy. Upon completion of his naval duties, he returned to Griffiss where he gained employment as an electronic engineer, retiring in 1982. James attended Utica College, graduating in 1983, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. This was one of the proudest moments in James' and his family's lives. For a period of 10 years following Griffiss, he held a consultant’s position with I.I.T. Research Institute in Rome retiring in 1992, but never really stopped working as he continued to provide his expertise in accounting. A very knowledgeable, quick-witted man, James had a beautiful sense of humor and was very giving and charitable of heart. He had the ability to share a laugh and a smile, and he was very understanding and thoughtful. He will be remembered as a great husband, father, and grandfather who offered unconditional love and support. Musically gifted, he sang and played the guitar and organ. He enjoyed watching old movies on Turner Classic Movies and took pleasure in cooking and partaking of his culinary delights. During his spare time he played chess, had a good time golfing, and moved lightly on the dance floor. James is survived by his wife, Donna; and his daughter and son-in-law, Janice R. and Zeke LeFrois of Verona, NY. Always close to his heart was the memory of his beloved son, David James Saporito, who passed away on December 27, 2005. He also leaves his daughter-in-law, Julie Saporito of MA; his step-children, Jerry and Sandy Brown of NY Mills, David Scott Brown of Watertown, Ronald James Brown of Utica, and Nancy Brown-Rand of Sauquoit; and his grandchildren, Ashley LeFrois, Mason Brown, Denise Brown, Karen Brown, Tristan Rand, and Collin Rand. Survivors also include his sister, Jane M. Doti of Utica; and his brothers and sister-in-law, Anthony Saporito, and Frank and Nida Saporito, all of Utica; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws including, Betty Saporito Whitaker of KY, Mavis Saporito and David Fleishman of Clinton, and Jim and Sherall Carson of Elmhurst, IL. He was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph Bruno Saporito and Guy Saporito; and his brother-in-law, Rocco A. Doti. The family expresses sincere appreciation to Dr. Raouf Kodsy, Dr. Jorge Ferreiro, and Dr. Michael Kelberman; and the nurses and staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Intensive Care Unit, especially acknowledging April and Penny for their loving care and compassion. Visitation will be held Friday (today) from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. James’ funeral service will commence on Saturday morning at 11:00 at the funeral home with the Rev. Cindy Makarchuk officiating. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. “He was one of a kind, and he will be greatly missed”.

James Saporito

March 17, 1927 - January 28, 2009