Joseph T. Garramone

Mr. Joseph T. Garramone, age 83, of North Utica, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 18, 2007, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Utica on October 27, 1923, Joseph was the son of the late Lawrence and Lena (Palmieri) Garramone. He was raised and educated in Utica and graduated from T. R. Proctor High School with the class of 1943. He furthered his studies at the Utica School of Commerce, receiving an accounting degree. A veteran of World War II, he served with the U.S. Army in France with the 42nd Rainbow Division and at the Battle of the Bulge, where he received a Purple Heart and 3 Bronze Stars. He was proud to serve his country and would often share his many wartime memories and experiences with friends and family. He was a great conversationalist. It was on October 30, 1954 that he married the former Frances Yvonne Los. The couple shared a loving and blessed union of 52 years. A loving and devoted family man, Joseph enjoyed being in his family’s company, and took pleasure in cooking and caring for them. As a generous and selfless man, he endowed his family with all the amenities of a happy life. He always said ‘yes’ when he was needed. He loved music, (especially Frank Sinatra), and each weekend he would vitalize his house with music and song, with family and friends enjoying the sounds. He had a knack for communicating and enjoyed conversing on politics and current events. He was an avid sports enthusiast, and was an accomplished athlete. In his earlier years, he was a member of the YMCA Boxing team and was known by the moniker “Young Kid Garro”. He excelled in the sport and was an avid lifelong fan. He enjoyed the memories made when he traveled. He was a dedicated member and acting chaplain of the Leo B. Wheeler DAV Stars & Stripes, American Legion Post #229, and was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was a communicant of St. Mark’s Church in North Utica. Mr. Garramone is survived by his loving wife, Frances; his children, Michelle Licari of Utica and his son-in-law, Sal, Linda and James Dundon of North Utica, Robert Garramone of North Utica, and Pamela Garramone of Boston. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Salvatore Licari, Robert Garramone and Nicholas Garramone; his brother and sister-in-law, Honorable Anthony and Ann Marie Garramone of Utica; and his sister, Elizabeth Luciano of Utica and her companion, Gil DeStefano. His extended family includes his brother-in-law, Leo Zurawski of Utica and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was blessed with many special friends, including Peter Zizzi, Frank Convertino, Joe Convertino, Sal Vanno, Marc Indolfi, Michael Licari, and members of the Dixiana A/C. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence R., Jr. and Ann Garramone; his sister, Rosemary Zurawski, and his nephew, Marc Luciano. Visitation will be held on Sunday (today) from 2-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Leo B. Wheeler DAV Stars & Stripes will perform ritualistic services at 2 p.m. Mr. Garramone’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 8:00 from the funeral home and at 9:00 at St. Mark’s Church in North Utica where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors.

Joseph T. Garramone

October 27, 1923 - January 18, 2007