John A. "Derby Dan" Polera

Mr. John A. "Derby Dan" Polera, age 93, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2005, at the Masonic Care Community of NY. His loving family was by his side at the time of his passing. Born in Calabria, Italy on June 8, 1912, John was the son of the late Tommaso and Francesca (Pellegrino) Polera. On July 10, 1937 he was joined in marriage with the former Frances Mirante with whom he shared a union of 67 years prior to her passing just earlier this year on May 11, 2005. Mr. Polera was a longtime employee of the NY Central Railroad. He later worked for Oneida County where he was a chauffeur for Broadacres, the position from which he retired. John was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church where he served his fellow parishioners as an usher. For more than 50 years he was a member of the Knights of St. John, St. Anthony Commandery. He was a delegate to the Republican convention where he represented the local Republican committee. In his leisure time, John was an avid golfer who frequently could be found on the fairways of Valley View where he was a longtime member. Mr. Polera is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Leah and George Salem of OH, Joyce and Robert Bevilacqua of Utica and Claremont, FL, and Eileen and Peter Manno of Frankfort. He cherished in his heart the memory of a daughter, Francine J. Noti, who preceded him in death on July 26, 1999. John is also survived by a son-in-law, Frank P. Noti of Utica; his grandchildren, Felicia and Mark Pelerossi, Remza and Dale Bushey, Albert and Keri Salem, Robert Bevilacqua, Lynda and Paul Lovett, John Polera Bevilacqua, Peter S. and Stacey Manno, Mary-Frances Manno, Michael Manno, Frank G. and Mary Noti, and Jennifer L. Noti; and his great-grandchildren locally including Eddie, Jack, Megan, Nicholas and Zachary, and another six great-grandchildren in Nashville. Also surviving are his sister, Mary Potenza of Utica; three brothers and a sister-in-law, Pat and Mary Polera of Utica, Dominick Polera of CA, and Frank Polera of Rome, NY; a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and a sister-in-law, Maria Giovanna "Joan" Stein of Washington, DC. He was predeceased by a sister, Angela "Angie" Gerace. Visitation will be held on Tuesday morning from 9:30-10:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Knights of St. John, St. Anthony Commandery, will assemble for ritualisitic services on Tuesday morning at 10:00 at the funeral home. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a celebration of John's life, which will take place at the funeral home at 10:30 Tuesday morning immediately upon the conclusion of visitation with the Rev. Anthony P. LaFache officiating. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

John A. "Derby Dan" Polera

June 8, 1912 - December 17, 2005