Mr. John Gorea

UTICA - Mr. John Gorea, age 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, February 19, 2018, knowing the love and support of his family. John attended Manlius Military Academy, T.R. Proctor High School, and Utica College of Syracuse University. John was also a proud Korean US Army Veteran. In 1955, he married the love of his life, Jacquelyn (Jacki) Castelli, a loving union (most of the time) for over 62 years. He is survived by his wife Jacki; his son Jon and daughter-in-law Diann; daughter Judy Gorea and Gayle Pulizzi; and son Gregory and daughter-in-law Dena. He was so very proud of his children’s accomplishments. The frosting on the cake was his grandchildren: Tiffany, Nikki and husband Greg, Anthony, Samantha, and Gregory Jon. He also leaves his sisters, Maryanne Gorea, and Michelle Gorea-Thompson; his sister-in-law Pat Taurisano; special cousins Rosalie Colacicco, John and Marie Scialdone, and Carol and Bill McNulty; his loyal and devoted friends of sixty-five years, John and Viola Giaquinto; a special niece Amanda Frattasio who she called Poppy from early on; his nieces and nephews, George Frattasio, Geoffrey and Mary Jo Frattasio, and Susan Frattasio whom he loved like a daughter; his great niece Nina; and great nephew Giovanni. Poppy Johnnie was a handful much to the delight of his grandchildren. Just ask Anthony about their infamous rides around town. Johnnie had a robust personality with a great sense of humor, always had a joke to tell, and could definitely be the life of the party. John was CEO of Corporate Transport in Syracuse for many years and worked near his lifelong friend Frank Inserra. Together with their wives they traveled and led the good life. In his retirement years he worked at UFCW Local One for over a decade where he made new memories and friendships. Johnnie was the happiest on a golf course or at a racetrack. He belonged to Historic Old St. John’s Church, was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, a former member of Higby Hills Country Club, a member of the Traffic Club of New York City, the Tau Phi Zeta Fraternity, and his favorite of all, The Members Only Club. John was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony and Viola Castelli with whom he shared a wonderful relationship; his brother Philip Gorea, sister-in-law Judi Frattasio, brother-in-law Al Taurisano, and nephew Gary Frattasio. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved mother, Carmel Cerrulo Gorea, and his infant daughter. His biggest regret in life was that his mother never got to meet her grandchildren. She would have been so proud of them. The family wishes to thank Charles Lewis, Administrator of the Heritage Healthcare Center and the staff of the 7th Floor who tended to John during his brief stay. The family honored and commemorated John’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend John’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday afternoon at 1:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler with Military Honors conferred. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. By family request, please omit floral offerings. “Good night sweetheart, till we meet tomorrow, sleep will banish sorrow, good night sweetheart.” Love, Jacki.

Mr. John Gorea

January 16, 1931 - February 19, 2018