John A. Cittadino, Sr.

Mr. John A. Cittadino, Sr., age 93, a native Utican who enjoyed winters in Melbourne, Florida and summers at Sylvan Beach, NY, passed away on Wednesday, November 08, 2006, at the Masonic Care Community of NY. Born in Utica on March 29, 1913, John was the son of the late Andrea and Maria (Mazza) Cittadino. Raised and educated in Utica, he attended local schools. On June 10, 1933 he married the former Lucy R. DePalma with whom he celebrated 55 years until her passing on September 12, 1988. The couple shared much love for their family life. During his working years, John operated cranes and heavy equipment, and was employed by various enterprises over the years, including the City of Utica, Abe Nathan & Sons, and Utica Radiator Corp., retiring in 1978. A well-liked man, he often rendered acts of generosity with specialties of food that he prepared. He maintained an even temper and an amicable personality, and felt that socializing with his friends was enlightening for him. As a tenacious man, his philosophy and words of wisdom imparted guidance: “It’s a great world if you don’t weaken --- you’ve got to fight it all the way”. As a father, he cared and provided well for his family. As a naturalist and outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting with family and friends and was experienced and knowledgeable in recognizing the best and most delectable species of wild mushrooms. John’s culinary talents were highlighted in the cuisine of his heritage, including traditional homemade ‘sausage in the oil’ and his Sunday dinners, complete with delicious sauce and meatballs. His generations of family wisdom, customs, and culture made him a well-bred and proud man. He was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. John is survived by his children and their spouses: Andrew “Andy” J. and Connie Cittadino of Lakeland, FL; Luana Davis of N. Utica; Josephine “Feenie” and Anthony Allora of Boyton Beach, FL; John A. Cittadino, Jr. of Port Leyden, NY; James A. “Jim” and Doris Cittadino of N. Utica; and Michael A. and Joan Cittadino of Lawrenceville, GA. He mourned the loss of his daughter, Mary Lou Bice, on February 6, 2003, and the loss of his son, Joseph A. Cittadino, on February 5, 2003. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Sarah P. Cittadino; and his son-in-law, James L. “Jim” Bice. He also mourned the loss of his son-in-law, Thomas W. Davis, in 1993. He is also survived by his grandchildren: John and Laurie Bice; Sarah and David Hensel; Andrea and Bryan Goldberger; Marc and Karen Cittadino; Scott Cittadino; Nicole and Mark Leary; Dana Citadino and Louie Rodriguez; Darren and Allison Cittadino; Thomas and Tracy Davis; Danielle Davis and Dean Picente; Samantha and James Schaffer; Michael Davis and his fiancée Sandra Tirado; Philip and Amy Belmonte; Jessica Allora and Raymond Cooke; Todd Cittadino and Lori Sguin; Brad Cittadino and Tonya Holland; John A. Cittadino, III; Melissa Cittadino; Daniel Cittadino; and Andrew Cittadino. In addition, he leaves 25 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. His extended family includes many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, his sister-in-law, Catherine “Kay” DePalma; and numerous friends and neighbors in Florida and at “The Beach.” He was predeceased by three sisters and brothers-in-law, Carmella and Salvatore F. “Sam” Guardi; Caroline R. and Joseph R. Graziano; and Josephine and Andrew Raiano; and his in-laws, Mary T. and Joseph V. Giordano, and John DePalma. The family offers its heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Troy, 3South, and Albany wings at the Masonic Care Community of NY for the personal and loving care shared with John and his family. Visitation will be held today (Sunday) from 2-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home., Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family graciously accepts floral offerings. Mr. Cittadino’s funeral will commence on Monday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish at Mt. Carmel Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Peter’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

John A. Cittadino, Sr.

March 29, 1913 - November 8, 2006