Jerry A. Attili, Sr.

Mr. Jerry A. Attili, Sr., age 84, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2006, in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on January 1, 1922, Jerry was the son of the late Bernardino and Adeline (DiGregorio) Attili. He was raised and educated locally. A veteran of World War II, he proudly and patriotically served with the U.S. Marine Corps, and was a recipient of the Purple Heart and the Medal of Courage. On April 23, 1945 he married the former Lena Morgia. Jerry had a gleam in his eye to the very end for the woman he was proud to call his wife and who gave him all that mattered in his life --- his children and grandchildren. Mr. Attili worked as a skilled finish polisher at Kelsey Hayes Mfg. Co. for 28 years, retiring in 1982. He subsequently pursued a second vocational endeavor at the Masonic Care Community, retiring in 1994. Jerry had a quiet, unassuming nature which was complemented by emotions and sensitivity that ran deep in his soul. A true believer in his spirituality and his Lord, he possessed a great faith. He saw the goodness in people and encouraged others to appreciate the blessings and talents they possessed. He was bestowed with the admirable qualities of fairness, unconditional love, and humility. During his life he was admired as an accepting and nonjudgmental man, earning the respect and love of his children, grandchildren, and all those with whom he came into contact. When raising his children, he was active as a coach for the East Utica little league baseball team. It was a privilege for him to mentor young people in a sport that was so close to his heart. A longtime Yankee follower, he critiqued and cheered them on until his very last season, (not always in favor of their plays!) A proud Italian-American, U.S.M.C. veteran, husband, family man, and all around good person, Jerry lived a rich life because of the choices he made to live a simple existence. A well-known fact supporting his values was that he managed to do all that he did and not even ‘drive a car’. He was often seen walking to his responsibilities and destinations. He valued his memberships at St. Anthony of Padua Church, the Sons of Italy, Utica Lodge #2054, and the American Legion, Fort Schuyler Post #1290. A politically minded man, he supported his community by serving as a Republican committeeman. Jerry had a knack for making any occasion special, and simply having his family around him made him a proud man. Holidays at Jerry and Lena’s were always cherished celebrations, complete with great food, spirits, and hospitality. His in-laws, affectionately known as the “Watertown crew”, played an integral part in the happiness of his life. They laughed, drank, played “mauda” and bocce, and shared in a great spirit of friendship and admiration. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Lena; his cherished children and their spouses: Jerry A. Attili, Jr., affectionately known to his sisters as “the one and only” and Debbie Schepsis of Utica; Linda and Hank Healy of Clark Mills; Lucy and Guy Viti, Jr. of Whitesboro; Mary Rose Attili of Clark Mills; JoAnn Attili of Utica with whom he resided; Jeana and Ray DiFondi of Florida; and Michele and Tom Vanno of Whitesboro. Jerry also knew the love and admiration of Kathy Glenn, who has been like a daughter. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jerry Attili III, Jenelle and John Morris; Todd Healy, James and May Healy, Scott Healy, Patricia Healy; Kimberly and David Witchley, Christopher Viti; Alyssa Vanno and Brittany Vanno. In addition, he leaves his great-grandchildren, John and Kyle Morris; his sister, Lucy Abdoo of Utica; his brother and sister-in-law, Bernardino “Bernie” II and Olga Attili of Utica. His extended family also includes many loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his in-laws, Mary J. Crescenzi, Angelina Mathew, Agnes Natali, Pauline and Armand DiStefano, John and Rosalind Morgia, Joseph and Gloria Morgia, Sam Tufo, and Jean Morgia. Jerry was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Joseph T. and Lena Attili, Francis B. “Frank” Attili, John Spezzo, and Anthony Spezzo; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose and Joseph Tremarello, Anna and Dominick Amadeo, Congetta Grasso, Angelina Attili, and Congetta Spezzo; and his in-laws, Lillian Tufo, Edgio Morgia, Alta Fiorentino, and Philomena “Fanny” Balderson. The family offers its heartfelt thanks to Dr. William Krause, Dr. Christopher D. Clark, and Marilyn Campola, N.P., for their dedicated care and professionalism. Lena was blessed to be able to care for Jerry in the comfort of their home, through the devotion and commitment of their children who tended to their father’s needs with much love. A special thank you is shared with the staffs of the V.N.A. and Hospice and Palliative Care, especially Navaz, Nadine and Irene whose support and compassion were of great assistance to Jerry and his family. The friendship and spiritual support of Deacon Bill Dischiavo and Christine Abbass for her words of comfort and encouragement will not be forgotten. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4-8 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Mr. Attili’s funeral will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Full Military Honors offered by the U.S.M.C. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Jerry A. Attili, Sr.

January 1, 1922 - November 11, 2006