John Menesini

Mr. John Menesini, age 88, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with his loving family by his side. Born in Milan, Italy on November 1, 1923, John was the son of the late Americo and Agle’ (Lorranzini) Menesini. John and his family came to the United States, establishing themselves in Chicago, where he was raised and educated. A proud and loyal veteran of World War II, John served his country with the U.S. Army from 1942-1945 in the European Theater of Operations. It was there that he was taught the trade of lithography which ‘set the stage’ for a lifelong occupation. He participated in campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe and was awarded the Victory Medal, the European, African, and Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 1 Silver Battle Star and 3 overseas service bars. On December 27, 1945, he was married to the former Gloria M. Baldasseroni who passed away on March 3, 2008. The love and commitment of family life was a primary focus for both John and Gloria. As the “golden years” approached, they dedicated themselves to appreciating, honoring, and enjoying one another. A self-motivated and conscientious businessman, John’s career encompassed positions with numerous printing companies. A majority of his tenure was with the Federal Paper Board Company located in Woodcliff, NJ; the corporation was later known as International Paper. With a humble and innovative beginning, he was magical when working upon color printing machines. His skills and talents were recognized as he rose to executive positions of quality control and trouble shooting. A highlight and meaningful experience in his life occurred when he was selected by his company to assist the country of Saudi Arabia in establishing the technology and advancing the printing needs of their government. The honor and sensitivity of his assignment was truly meaningful to him. In 1985 John chose to retire and travel with his wife and enjoy his other passions. He supported and participated in the activities of the Veterans of Foreign Wars while residing in Blauvelt. He also tended to the needs of his meticulously maintained home and gardens. John believed that “All in all, it was a truly wonderful life”, always remembering his blessings and humble background. He was a man’s man, possessed a hard work ethic, and was a good provider to his loved ones. He was sensitive to the needs of others and upheld the simple courtesies of life. These qualities were laced with his unique sense of humor and delivery, his ever-present friendly smile, and his ability to be a great conversationalist. To know John was to witness a charming, well accomplished and determined man with great strength of character, especially in the face of adversity. He was rich in his spirituality and dedicated to his catholic faith. John is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Diane and Ronald Gaetano of Utica, Betty and Thomas Muehlbauer of Pittsburgh, PA, and Laurel and John Giardiello of Garrison, NY. Always close to his heart was the memory of his son, Thomas John Menesini, who passed away in 1976. He also leaves his grandchildren, Kirk, Rick, and Scott; Johnny and Darla, Heidi, Gina and Josh; Lauren, and Lindsey; and his great-grandchildren, Casey; Dylan; Savanna, Samantha, Sebastian, Shaeanna, and Shaeden; Luca John, and Lexy. Survivors also include his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Betty Burkhart and family of Tallahassee, FL. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Ronald and Patricia Baldasseroni. Each day was made easier because of the outstanding care provided by the entire community at the Masonic Home; the professional attention of Dr. Florin Olteanu, Nursing Supervisor Karen Hammill, as well as her dedicated staff and aides of Racquette Household, especially RN’s Theresa and Dawn and aide Simone. The family also knew the commitment and kindness of Nancy Harringshaw and her staff of Wiley Hall who remained concerned about the well being of John and his family. This portion of John’s journey of life has been blessed by all the dignity and respect afforded him by this outstanding organization. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Graveside Services where full military honors will be conferred at Forest Hill Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon at 2:00. For those wishing to offer their condolences to the family, you are cordially invited to a gathering which will be held at the Masonic Care Health Pavilion and Nursing Home dining area at 3 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon. For those wishing to express an act of kindness, please consider memorial offerings in John’s honor to Feed Our Vets, a non-profit food pantry organization providing nourishment for veterans in the United States; envelopes will be available at the family gathering, by contacting the funeral home, or visiting www.feedourvets.org. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family honored and commemorated John’s life at a private time.

John Menesini

November 1, 1923 - July 28, 2012