Mr. Laurence P. "Larry" Custodero

NEW HARTFORD - Mr. Laurence P. “Larry” Custodero, age 73, joined family members who went before him when he passed away on Monday, June 19, 2017 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with his loving family and his faithful dog Roxie by his side. He battled with dignity and optimism to the very end… as he lived his life. Born in Cheltenham, England on Christmas Eve in 1943, Laurence was the son of the late Florio “Amer” and Mary “Maura” (Costelloe) Custodero. At the age of two, Larry and his mother arrived in America aboard the British ship RMS Mauritania and settled in Utica. He was raised as a Catholic and was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, where he received all his sacraments and lived a moral life. He attended Roscoe Conkling Elementary School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1962. He excelled in football and baseball in high school and at Utica College of Syracuse University. In college he lettered in baseball and was instrumental in founding the school’s Club Football team. He majored in Social Studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. In 1968 he married Theresa LaFache and of that union came the blessing of two daughters and a lifelong friendship. Larry was co-owner of the Dinghy Bar with his father and longtime friend, Tony Perrone. He also tended bar at Uncles Tavern, owned by his cousins, for more than 20 years. On May 27th, 1989 he married Barbara Wrape Corn, daughter of the late William and Patricia Wrape. Larry and Barbara were married for 28 years, and they enjoyed their time together, having many gatherings with friends and family. Through this union, he gained a daughter, Jessica. Larry and Barb were then blessed with a son, Lawrence William, which completed his family. Larry was the quintessential teacher, teacher advocate, and mentor of so many students during his 32-year career with the Utica City School District, where he taught 5th and 6th grade students at Kernan Elementary School. He left a lasting imprint on their hearts. He also held many extra-curricular coaching positions including Freshman Football at Utica Free Academy, Junior High Basketball at Kernan Elementary School, and Freshman and Junior Varsity Baseball at JFK Junior High School. He gave all of his students his support, respect, and firm but fair guidelines, for which he is still remembered for to this day. During his working years, he was an advocate for his co-workers and their vocation, not only as a member of the Utica Teachers’ Association, but also as past Vice President and an outstanding negotiator until his retirement in 2001. He seamlessly continued his support of the area’s teaching professionals by serving as full-time President of the Utica Teachers’ Association for six consecutive two-year terms until his final retirement in 2013. Larry was dedicated beyond expectation, and even during his illness, he fought for health care and fairness of teaching contracts. He was, at the end of the day, respected by both his colleagues and the administration for his passion and knowledge. He enjoyed the camaraderie of social events and was a gifted public speaker. He was a key figure in many local, charitable events including golf tournaments and the Greater Utica Heart Run & Walk. He also privately contributed to several organizations including Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., the American Cancer Society, and the ASPCA. Larry is perhaps most known for his unique, straight-forward humor. Those who knew him best, knew that the nicknames “Scary Larry” or “The Bear” did not reflect the man who was a sentimental soul, who wore his heart on his sleeve. Throughout his life, Larry strived for harmony and family unity, and he protected all those he loved. Larry loved to be social, “hold court,” and to entertain his friends. A die-hard Yankees fan, he followed them to his last day and voiced his opinions about their shortcomings. He was the kind of guy that people gravitated toward. His appetite for life was immeasurable; he loved to eat, drink, and be merry! Larry is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean; his children and their spouses, Kristin and Joseph Speciale, Kathryn Custodero, and their mother, Theresa Tripolone and her husband Carmine who were very important in Larry’s life, Jessica and Ryan Mortensen, and Lawrence “Mickey” Custodero; his grandchildren, Joseph and Christopher Speciale, and Zoe and Lily Mortensen; his brother and sister-in-law, Gordon “Butch” and “Kay” (Joseph) Custodero; and his sister, Maureen Fumarola. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews including Marie Custodero (his goddaughter), Linda Custodero Virkler, Ann Custodero Aery, Theresa Nelson (his goddaughter), and Tony Fumarola; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Joanne and Butch Sisti, William Wrape, Patie Cloutier, and Sundy and Jack Horn. The family is grateful to Larry’s physicians, Dr. Kenneth Visalli, and Dr. Kevin McCormick for their medical expertise; and the staff of the Saratoga Household of the Masonic Care Community who cared for Larry with such compassion and loving care. The family was comforted by the companionship and longtime friendship of Charles “Chipper” and Marianne Pronto, Bill Wrape, Richard “Doc” D’Alesandro, Norm Stamboly, John Russo, Vic Gazzilli, Butch and Joanne Sisti, the Joseph and LaFache families, and many others who offered their support. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc, 932 South St., Utica. The family will remain until all have been seen. By family request, please omit flowers. Larry’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, where Rev. James Cesta will offer his Mass of Christian Burial.

Mr. Laurence P. "Larry" Custodero

December 24, 1943 - June 19, 2017