Mr. John B. Aliasso

Mr. John B. Aliasso, Jr., age 83, of Utica, went home to the Lord on Thursday, December 10, 2015 as he passed away at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center surrounded by the love and support of his family and friends. Born in Utica on December 1, 1932, John was the son of the late John B., Sr. and Mary (Garcea) Aliasso. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1951 where he was an All-American Athlete. He continued his education at Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania majoring in Engineering. He then attended Utica College of Syracuse University where his area of concentration was in Reliability Engineering. He remained a supportive alumni of his local Alma Maters all his life. In 1955, John joined the United States Army where he honorably served his country stateside supervising the supply unit. In 1960, he married the former Margaret “Marge” LaBarbera and to that relationship came the blessing of four beautiful children. He entered into a second union on July 19, 1980 when he wed the former Regina DeRosa Grimaldi; theirs was a “marriage made in heaven” because they complemented and loved one another in so many ways. John enjoyed an extensive 30 plus year career at the General Electric Company where he worked for the Department of Defense and aerospace industries at the French Road facility in Utica. Blessed with a keen mind and intellect, John was passionate in designing and computing many programs. He later ventured into the delicatessen business as a host at Falatico’s Sausage & Deli where he and his partners produced homemade Italian specialties. As a father, John was supportive and made time to show his love and concern in day-to-day situations that called for his intercession and advice. A gentle giant, he was kind and understanding, and in turn, each of his children felt special; he never showed partiality. As they matured into adult life, he kept in touch with them daily, sharing his wise words that proved to be right. His heart was in the right place as he held his children’s needs second to no one’s - not even his own. His love was unconditional and he fought the good fight in raising his children to be giving and forgiving as God would want them to be. He was an expert at worrying about everyone, and he was an honest and fair man, often referred to as “Honest John”. He was a gentle soul who brimmed with confidence and hope to live each day to its fullest. As a second father to Regina’s children, he raised, taught, and loved them as his own, blending the two families with the greatest of ease on so many levels. He welcomed all to his home, and no one was a stranger to his heart, his soul, or his table. For his children and the generations that followed, he attended their sporting events, concerts, religious sacraments, birthdays, and holidays with joy and personal interest. He felt that it was important to be present at all these special moments and events that highlighted their young lives. John was a man of many pursuits, passions, and pastimes. He was a great shopper who shared his tips with family and friends. He had a monumental love for music of any genre, but he favored Jazz and Big Band era tunes… and his children appreciated this wide range. He played Bridge every Thursday morning with a group of friends and was an avid pitch and poker player. His morning ritual included solving a crossword puzzle that was a breeze with his verbal acuity, as well as a daily sudoku challenge that was no match for his mathematical mind. He gave his time and talent as an Income Tax preparer for a volunteer service through AARP. He was, of course, a loyal Yankees fan. It was John’s faith that was the basis for his being. He was a believer in God and all His goodness, and he emulated that life to the fullest. John was a faithful parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church which was his foundation. He served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister and was a member of the Holy Name Society, former Choir member, President of the St. Cosmos & St. Damian Society, former trustee, Chairman of the St. Cosmos & St. Damian Pilgrimage for over 40 years, and as a member of the parish council, he was involved in the many activities that were held throughout the year including Friday Fish fries. He was a cornerstone of his parish. In recognition of John and Regina’s meaningful years of service and dedication to their religious community, the Syracuse Catholic Diocese bestowed upon them the Immaculata Award in November of this year. John lived his life through the Lord’s lessons; he never disliked anyone or anything, and he found the best in others. His motto was “be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer”. John met his Lord with open arms and a humble heart. John is survived by his beloved wife, Regina; his children and their loves, Michelle and Donald Anastasi, John Aliasso, Camille Scampone and Nick Manfredo, and David and Kathy Aliasso; as well as Fred Grimaldi III, Rita Grimaldi, Karen Grimaldi and fiance Steve Deming, and Robin Grimaldi and fiance Scott St. Hilaire; his grandchildren, Donald, and Joseph Anastasi; Jessica, and Maggie Aliasso; Salvatore Scampone and fiancee Gina Stephens, Genaro Scampone, and their father, Sammy Scampone; Alexandria, and Dominic Aliasso; Megan and Andrew Wilson, Marissa Mazza and Clay Carlisle; and always close to his heart was the memory of his grandson Joel Collins. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Anthony John Scampone; his sisters, Angela Green, and Barbara Pacilio; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Theresa Aliasso; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Richard J. “Dick” Graniero, and Walt Lorenz; and a lifetime of wonderful friends. He was a humanitarian advocate for all God’s creatures, especially loved his cat, “Baby”. He was predeceased by his sisters-in-law Carmelita Graniero, and Vida Lorenz. The family is grateful to Dr. Alicia DeTraglia, Dr. Hung Nguyen, and Dr. Rebecca Heist from Massachusetts General, all of whom gave compassionate hope, honesty, and genuine friendship to John; Fr. Mark Kaminiski for his spiritual guidance, and Deacon Bill Dischiavo for his years of loyal friendship and devotion to their team efforts. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will remain until all visitors have been seen. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's name to St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend John’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday morning at 11:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski and Deacon Bill Dischiavo with Military Honors conferred. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mr. John B. Aliasso

December 1, 1932 - December 10, 2015