Leonard J. " Lenny" Citriniti

Mr. Leonard J. “Lenny” Citriniti, age 54, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Scandale, Italy on August 14, 1951, Leonard was the son of the late Vincent and Antoinette (Crugliano) Citriniti. He was raised and educated here in Utica. It was on October 2, 1976 in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church that he married the former Joan Treen. Throughout their 29-year union, Lenny and Joan have been best friends and soul mates, sharing a relationship based upon their mutual devotion. Always a conscientious and valued employee, Mr. Citriniti has worked for the City of Utica Parks Department for the past 33 years. Lenny was a true family man, ever dedicated to the best interests and happiness of his wife and children. Possessing a strong-minded and confident certainty in his own convictions, he would offer his opinions and suggestions with stubborn determination. However, for all his strength of character and will, he also had a heart of gold and a gift for making people laugh. He was supportive and helpful not only to his loved ones but also to everyone with whom he came in contact. Lenny enjoyed all sports and was an avid fan of the NY Yankees and the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed music, especially that of Elvis Presley. He belonged to the CSEA and was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. Mr. Citriniti is survived by his wife, Joan; 3 sons and a daughter-in-law, Lenny A. Citriniti, Tony V. and Kristy Citriniti, and Tommy J. Citriniti, all of Utica; his grandchildren, Chrissy whom Lenny raised as a daughter, and Ryan; and his step-grandson, Anthony. He is also survived by 3 sisters and a brother-in-law, Victoria Rossi of Oneonta, Rose and George Staley of Oriskany, and Angela Fanelli of N. Utica; 2 brothers and a sister-in-law, Frank and Sandra Citriniti of CA, and Fred Citriniti of Utica; his mother-in-law, Florence DeGristina; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and a host of in-laws too numerous to mention but as dearly loved by Lenny as if they were his own brothers and sisters. He also leaves a good friend, Keith Koczar who was like a son to him. He was predeceased by 2 brothers, Leonard Citriniti and Anthony Citriniti; and a brother-in-law, Mike Rossi. Lenny’s loved ones offer their sincere thanks to the nurses and staff of the 3rd floor at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially John, and to the personnel of the ICU, especially Keith. In addition, the family extends its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Lenny’s fellow employees of the Utica City Parks Dept. and the DPW for donating their vacation time so that he and his family would continue to receive paychecks during his illness. Visitation will be held today (Sunday) from 5-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Lenny’s honor to the family for disbursement in a meaningful and beneficial manner; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mr. Citriniti’s funeral service which will be conducted on Monday morning at 10:00 at the funeral home. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Leonard J. " Lenny" Citriniti

August 14, 1951 - May 31, 2006