Joseph D. "Mr. Jay" Trisolino, Jr.

Mr. Joseph D. "Mr. Jay" Trisolino, Jr., age 74, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2005, at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on December 26, 1930, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph Sr. and Lucy (Montenaro) Trisolino. Raised and educated locally, he attended Brandegee School and T.R. Proctor High School. On September 29, 1962 he was joined in marriage with the former Rosa Maria "Rosemary" Lapertosa. Throughout their 43-year union, Jay and Rosemary have honored their true and steadfast commitment to one another. Having learned the art of sewing from his mother at an early age, Joseph had an uncanny ability to visualize a product from a piece of cloth. He began his life's work with Marietta Bridal on Genesee St. He then joined his mother's business on Bleecker St., the Mademoiselle Bridal Shop, where he plied his trade and pursued his vision, serving generations of families and of this community until the day he retired. Mr. Jay was proud and gratified to have been an intrical part of so many lives during their special events. He established and maintained an excellent reputation for his quality workmanship, his dedication, his attention to detail, and his innate sense of style. In addition, his gregarious and personable manner were also a part of his business success. Jay infused his work, his relationships, and his activities with passion, zest, and a sense of joy. His wonderful sense of humor, and his acceptance of others, were the foundation of his many close and enduring friendships. Jay was proud of his Italian heritage and a loyal supporter of the entire Utica community and culture. He was also a good-will ambassador to Santiago, Chile, and to his father's hometown of Alberobello. A man of deep and abiding faith, he was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Jay possessed so much creativity, talent, and artistry. Blessed with impressive vocal talent, he found singing to be one of his greatest sources of joy and a gift he generously shared with others as he offered his abilities to take part in the productions of any and all organizations who called upon him. A true patron of the arts as well as a participant in them, he has been on stage with almost every major performance group in the area, including but not limited to Players of Utica, the Mt. Carmel Players, and Elder Life. In fact, it was for this latter organization that he recently wrote, produced, and acted in an original play, "Goodbye, Red Wine." He emceed many events such as charity shows, benefits, and telethons. One of his favorite activities was performing at the state fair and charitable events and benefits. He served as the entertainment director at Hanna Park in the administration of three different mayors. Jay was a gifted painter and writer. He was proud that a painting of his was exhibited at the MWP Institute's art show, and he was a member of the Writer's Club, at one time having served as its President. He was also an instructor in interior design at both MVCC and HCCC. A notable and proud event in his life was when he appeared in the first live TV commercial on WKTV, an ad for Marietta Bridals. However, because of his lifelong love for movies and his background in acting, singing, and the theatre, a true highlight and pinnacle of his artistic life was his recent featured role as Luigi the Barber in the international film "Come Away with Me." He was also pleased that his home was used as the backset for one of the interior scenes. Mr. Trisolino is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his daughter, Lisa C. Roach of Clark Mills; his son, Joseph Trisolino III of Utica, as well as his canine "Harpo," who Jay had a great affection for; and his grandchildren, Matthew M., Sarah A. and Amanda D. Roach. He is also survived by five sisters and brothers-in-law, Angela "Lee" and Moses LaBella, Gina and Luca Esposito, all of Utica, Elaine and David Seeley of CA, Lucille Trisolino of Utica, and Juliann and Michael Houghton of Alexandria, VA; a brother, Sebastian Trisolino of Utica; a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins for all of whom he had a loving and devoted heart; his in-laws, Lorenza "Laura" Zizio, Frank and Kathleen Lapertosa, and Angelo Lapertosa; and his many loyal and dear friends, including his childhood friends, Anthony Loretti and Louis Damelio. He was predeceased by two sisters, Celestine Surace and Marie Johnson; infant siblings; a brother-in-law, Casimir Zizio; and a niece, Celia Zizio. The family offers its sincere thanks to Dr S. Desai and his office staff for their compassion, warmth, and friendship, and to the 6th floor nurses at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center for their outstanding and dedicated care. Visitation will be held today (Friday) from 4-8 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations to the family so that they may support local arts and theatrical groups; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. Trisolino's funeral will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Joseph D. "Mr. Jay" Trisolino, Jr.

December 26, 1930 - December 6, 2005