Mr. John Louis Rastani

Mr. John Louis Rastani, age 95, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2014 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the support of his family by his side. Born into the Greatest Generation on February 19, 1919, in Utica, John was the son of the late Caesar and Santina (Adaline) Rastani. He was raised and educated locally and attended Pottstown High School in Pennsylvania. He pursued his collegiate studies at Syracuse University earning a Bachelor of Science degree. A proud veteran of World War II, he honorably served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army stationed stateside and later continued to serve as a member of the New York Army National Guard (NYARNG). On May 26, 1942 he married the former Edith “Aida” Piccolino; they worked together as a couple and appreciated the blessings of life. John upheld the ethics of his era; he was a strong and loving provider and a persevering patriarch who set an example for his loved ones. His family was his life. His loving wife of 67 years passed away on Christmas Eve, 2009. John was employed by the General Electric Company as a Product Control Specialist, the position from which he retired. He also had an active outdoor life. He loved running and was an avid area road racer participating in the Boilermaker and the Pan-American Games in Canada. As a member of the Utica Roadrunners, he cherished the camaraderie of the club and supported races throughout upstate New York. He also enjoyed fishing and golfing. The best moments of John’s indoor life were spent around the table when he gathered with his loved ones for Sunday dinner. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). John held close to his heart the memories of his daughter, Cynthia Ure who passed away on June 27, 2011; and his son-in-law, Rocco J. “Rocky” Carzo who also preceded him in death. John is survived by his twin daughters, Sandra “Sandy” Carzo of Utica, and Arlene E. and her husband Russell Ogden; and his daughter and son-in-law, Judith “Judy” and William “Bill” Kleine, all of Pennsylvania; his grandchildren, Michael and Jean Garro, Lauren and Steve Brown, John and Dawn Ogden, Russell Ogden III, Leslie and Craig Mazeska, Matthew and Lauren Chudzinski, and Aaron and Amanda Ure; his great-grandchildren, Trevor, Connor, Sophia, Anna, Ava, Zachary, Zoe, and Zadie; and his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas “Tommy” and Sally Rastani of Marcy. His extended family includes many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Louis and Annette Rastani, Anthony and Theresa Rastani, Lugo and Marie Rastani, Guy and Cecelia Rastani; his infant brother, Charles Rastani; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and John Amrhein, Angeline and Philip P. Polizzi, and Theresa and Charles Bonanza; and his in-laws, Amelia and John “Jack” Dowdall, MaryLou Vaccarelli-Cavanaugh, and Alexander A. and Frances Piccolino. The family extends their appreciation to the nurses and staff of the Presbyterian Home for Central NY/Elm Unit and the personnel of the Allen Calder Wing at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for the professional loving care rendered to John during his stays. Visitation will be held Thursday from 11:00-1:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) in lieu of flowers; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. John’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday afternoon at 1:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. Abe Esper officiating the ceremony. Committal services will take place at Calvary Cemetery Chapel with Military Honors conferred followed by Entombment in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Mr. John Louis Rastani

February 19, 1919 - September 22, 2014