Mr. John T. Giuliano

UTICA – Mr. John T. Giuliano, age 78, passed away and was reunited with the love of his life on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Born in San Pietro a Maida, Calabria, Italy on May 20, 1947, John was the son of the late Francesco and Caterina (Manduca) Giuliano. When he was 11 years old, he joined his family in relocating to Utica, where he thereafter resided. He attended St. Mary of Mt. Carmel grammar school, and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, Class of 1967. On August 10, 1969, John married the former Marlene M. Hiffa. Together, they shared a beautiful and devoted marriage, marked by deep love and mutual respect—John always treated Marlene like a queen. They built a wonderful family life, filled with cherished memories. The couple were blessed with 54 loving years together before Marlene’s passing on October 23, 2023. John was a familiar and friendly face to many students as they walked the halls of Proctor High School. He was a beloved figure during his long tenure with the Utica City School District, where he served with dedication as an Athletic Caretaker until his retirement after 35 years of service. In addition to his work in the school district, John was the proud owner and operator of JT’s Landscaping, where he provided his customers with reliable, top-quality service for many years. Rather than having hobbies, John was always productive – constantly tinkering, doing carpentry, making repairs, or working around the house. He centered his life around the needs of his family, always putting them first. If you had asked him, he would have said that was his hobby. He is survived by his daughter, Marisa Aiello and her fiancé Steve Siriano; son and daughter-in-law, Francesco “Frank” and Melissa Giuliano; grandchildren, Antonio Aiello and his fiancée Francesca Laufer; Giovanni “G” Giuliano, and Francesco “Frankie” Giuliano; siblings and their spouses, Nicola and Angela Giuliano in Italy, the late Rosa and Francesco Mazza, Teresa Becker, and Anthony and Jackie Giuliano. He is further survived by his nieces and nephews, the late Louisa Giulano, Giuliana and Franco Ferraiolo, Italy, Daniela and Diego Cimino, Italy, Francesco and Rita Giulano, Switzerland, MariaRosa and Gianfranco Tassone, Italy, Gino and Silvana Mazza, Italy, Antonella and Pietro Verzellotti, Italy, Keith and Louisa Becker, MD, Jordan Giulano, TN, and Katrina and Dave Hausmann, TN; Roger and Meghan Loran, Michael and Jennifer Loran; Bernie and Andrea Coffay, Marlaina and Jason Kanclerz, Joseph and Melissa Coffay; Amanda Hiffa-Dondero and her husband, Erik, Dr.’s Anthony and Kate Hiffa, and Austin and Sarah Hiffa; great-nieces and great-nephews, including Lucas Becker; Axton, and Giuliana Hausmann; Michael “Mikey” Loran; Sydney, and Carter Kanclerz; Karina, and Kellan Coffay; Noelle, Roman, and Giuliana Dondero; and Chase, and Tanner; in-laws, Joanne and Roger Loran, Donna and Bernard Coffay, and Michael and Charlene (Moses) Hiffa; his “second son” and his wife, Hahn and Thuy Ha; and Pauline and Ralph Giovinazzo, whom he adored. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony and Emily (Casab) Hiffa. Throughout the challenges that John and Marlene faced, the love, guidance, and companionship of his brother-in-law, Roger Loran, made those times easier to bear. Thank you to his sister-in-law, Donna Coffay, who always made sure that John looked handsome. The family also wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Sitrin Healthcare Center—especially the caregivers in the Cypress House, whom John dearly loved—for their compassion and attentive care. Special thanks are also extended to his devoted personal aides, Jen and Lorraine. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in John’s memory may be made to St. Louis Gonzaga Church by mail to 520 Rutger St., Utica, NY 13501. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend John’s funeral service and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, 520 Rutger St., where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Boutros El Hachem. Entombment will follow in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum.

Mr. John T. Giuliano

May 20, 1947 - September 16, 2025