Mr. Lawrence A. "Larry" Obernesser

Mr. Lawrence A. “Larry” Obernesser, age 83, passed away on Friday, October 21, 2016, at the Masonic Care Community of NY with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on June 5, 1933, Larry was the son of the late George and Mary (Adrean) Obernesser. He attended St. Agnes Grammar School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1951. Upon his graduation, he entered the Machinist Apprentice Program with The General Electric Company in Syracuse, NY. On November 27, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Angela (Paolozzi). The vows they exchanged were honored and upheld from the day of their nuptials to the day of Larry’s passing. They found much joy in their 62 years of marriage. Larry was a loyal company man who loved his work as a machinist and sample maker for the Radio/Receiver plant at the General Electric Company’s Broad & Bleecker Street locations. He enjoyed a productive career that allowed him to provide for his family and served him well until his retirement in 1988. Larry was a humble person, intelligent but not boastful. He was well versed and highly articulate in the history of the Utica area. He amassed many treasures, and he knew just where each one was, and if anyone borrowed one! As a father, he was a supportive but quiet man who stood by his convictions and set a good example for his children. He was happiest when family was together. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and as the generations increased, so did his love and longing to be a part of their lives. You could count on Larry to be at any of their events at any time of the year, and he would travel to any destination to be present for the occasion. His family meant the world to him, and he was proud of each of them for their victories and accomplishments. Larry enjoyed two sports. He bowled for many years with the Catholic Men’s League as well as for the Senior League at the Pin-O-Rama Lanes. He also golfed with his coworkers in the General Electric League and recently with the senior league at the Mohawk Valley Country Club. In his retirement years, he volunteered at the Mid York Library where he repaired tape recorders, radios, and audio equipment for the visually impaired. Monday’s were reserved to spend with his son-in-law, Joe, as he worked with him at Joseph A. Rocco Livestock. He devoted years to being a member of St. Agnes Parish where he volunteered at the weekly bingo game and the annual parish festival, responsibilities that he took very seriously. He held a great closeness and regard for his pastor, the late Monsignor Francis J. Willenburg. Larry joined the congregation of the St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church as the parishes merged. Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Angela; their children, Virginia “Ginger” Shepardson and Charlie Morat, Janice and Joseph Rocco, Elaine and Michael Longo, Deborah and Darel Taylor, Celeste and Christopher Karski, John Obernesser, Anthony and Dorothy Obernesser, and Theresa Rojek and Jeff Brown. He held close to his heart the memory of his son, Lawrence A. Obernesser, II who passed away on April 19, 1998. He was also predeceased by his son-in-law Edwin E. Rojek. He leaves his grandchildren, Michael and Leslie Shepardson, Christina and J.P. Kidwell; Jolene and Steve Vanderhoof, Dana Rocco, and Anthony Rocco; Jessica Longo and Nick Pryor, Michael Longo and Jen Barreto, and Marcie Longo; Nicole and Jake Volcko, Melissa and Patrick Short; Alex Karski, and Victor Karski; Angela Obernesser, and Nikolas Obernesser; Allison Obernesser, and Daniel Obernesser; and Amelia Rojek; and his 10 great-grandchildren. In addition, he leaves in-laws Roy Russo, and Mary Louise Paolozzi and Linda Franklin, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Dr. Charles and Frances Obernesser and his second wife Dolores, Thomas and Doris Obernesser, and Leo Obernesser; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Agnes and George Morris, Ann Russo, Rose and William Adair, and Patricia DeBlois; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chester and Marie (Tinelli) Paolozzi; and his in-laws, Arlene and George Pinkasiewicz. The family extends sincere gratitude to the staff of the Troy Unit at the Masonic Care Community of NY who provided exceptional care, love, and compassion. The Obernesser family will remain grateful for their part in Larry’s health care. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to HealthFriends, 1119 Elm St., Utica, NY 13501, or to St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church in lieu of flowers; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Larry’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski and con-celebrant Rev. Fred Daley. Committal prayers and Interment will take place graveside at St. Agnes Cemetery

Mr. Lawrence A. "Larry" Obernesser

June 5, 1933 - October 21, 2016