Joseph F. Saraceno

Mr. Joseph F. Saraceno, age 52, a native Utican currently of Rome, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 in his home. Born in Utica on June 30, 1955, Joseph was the beloved son of the late Peter F. and Rose M. (Spina) Saraceno. Raised and educated in Utica, he was a 1973 graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. He pursued his collegiate studies in England for a semester and earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice from SUNY. At one time he was married to the former Cheryl Mumford of Sherrill. Joe worked alongside his late father, Peter, at Broadway Body Works. Formerly, he was a Utica Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician for many years and was credited for numerous heroic acts during his career. Joe also knew the love and companionship of Nancy Nigro; this relationship was bonded by the joy of their daughter. Joe was a generous man who enjoyed socializing. He was also a true storyteller, a quality defined by his uniquely dynamic and humorous personality. He watched the news to be informed of worldly happenings, and was always well-versed in current events. He enjoyed cooking and the get togethers of family and friends on holidays and special occasions. The greatest fulfillment of his life was the blessing of his four daughters. A devoted son, Joe adored his parents and was very saddened by their passing, and now he will be especially remembered and loved by his family at his untimely passing. Joe is survived by his daughters, Sarah L. Saraceno, Lisa M. Saraceno, Abby R. Saraceno, and Kathryn E. Saraceno; and his companion, Nancy Nigro. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank and Carol Saraceno of Barneveld, and Peter and Patricia Saraceno of Sauquoit. He was preceded in death by his sister, Donna M. Reed, who passed away on October 5, 1990, and an infant brother, Anthony, who passed away in 1949. He also leaves his uncles and aunts, Joseph and Gail Saraceno of CA, Daisy Spina, Elinor Spina, and Leo Hobaica; his nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins; and his longtime friends, Russell Carcone, Bob Durante, and Msgr. Francis Willenburg, his spiritual advisor and confidante. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Frank and Lena Saraceno; and his maternal grandparents, Anthony and Perdella Spina. The family extends gratitude to the City of Rome Emergency Medical Technicians and Ambulance Service for their timely response, and the Rome Police Department for their kindness and compassion which was greatly appreciated. Visitation and funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Joe’s honor to his children or to a Mass offering. Donations may be sent to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., Utica, NY 13501.

Joseph F. Saraceno

June 30, 1955 - August 1, 2007