John J. Velletto, Sr.

Mr. John J. Velletto, Sr., age 79, of Frankfort, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 18, 2007, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Buchannon, West Virginia, John was the son of the late Dominick Velletto and the late Laura (Barbino) Velletto Elacqua. He was also blessed with the love and guidance of his step-father, Anthony Elacqua. He was raised and educated in Utica, and as a veteran of the Korean Conflict, he served his country in the U.S. Army. On October 14, 1950 he married the former Joan Balsamo with whom he shared 56 years in a loving union. John’s career as a truck driver and operating engineer spanned many years. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 182. For leisure pursuits he enjoyed bowling and golf. Mr. Velletto is survived by his wife, Joan; his step-father, Anthony Elacqua; his daughter, Lisa Velletto of Frankfort; his sons and daughters-in-law, John and Valerie A. Velletto, Jr. of Utica, Gary Velletto of Utica, and Anthony and Crystal Velletto of California; and a special daughter-in-law, Thalia Hunter of Whitesboro. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Jon David Velletto and his fiancée Arifa Pehlic, Carin Velletto and her fiancé Frank Crouse, Gary Velletto and Reesa Hodge, Christopher Velletto, and Anthony, Andrea, and Abraham Velletto; and his great-grandchildren, Tiana, Gary III, Mariana, and Giana. His extended family includes several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his in-laws, Felix Colosimo and Raymond and Sally Arcuri. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Colosimo, his nephew, Joseph Colosimo, and his in-laws, Joseph and Mary Balsamo, and William G. “Bill” and Rosemary P. (Balsamo) Meola. Heartfelt thanks are extended to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, and to John’s special friends and neighbors especially acknowledging Benny and Kelly Rotundo and Rock and Lena Carzo for all that they have done to assist the family. Visitation will be held Monday (today) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Mr. Velletto’s funeral will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

John J. Velletto, Sr.

December 4, 1927 - January 18, 2007