Mr. Louis J. Astafan

Mr. Louis J. Astafan, Sr., age 92, a lifelong resident of North Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on September 24, 1923, Louis was the son of the late Scander and Marshe (Ferris) Astafan. He attended St. Francis DeSales School and graduated from Utica Free Academy. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Louis honorably served his country during World War II as a demolition expert and later worked with nuclear weapons. He worked at Griffiss Air Force Base from the end of the War until his retirement in 1978. His positions ranged from disposing of nuclear weapons to the position of Chief of Management and Supply at the time of his retirement. On February 9, 1947 he was united in marriage to the former Mae Bellamah, a union of 68 years. Mae, the love of his life, passed away on August 31, 2015. As a loving patriarch, Louis focused on the most important thing in his life - his family. He was a best friend to his children and he loved to spend time with his sons who pursued the same interests as their father. Louis left his children with a beautiful legacy of how to treat those you love. Louis was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion Post #229 in North Utica, the American Radio Relay League, and he was also a licensed Amateur Radio Operator/KE2PG. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga Church. Louis is survived by a daughter, Joyce Astafan with whom he shared a home in North Utica; a son, Scander Astafan and his family Sandy and Cassandra of Schuyler; a daughter, Marcia Astafan of NY Mills; and a son, Louis Astafan Jr. and his wife Diana of Mohawk and his grandchildren, Danielle and her husband Patrick Wilson of Troy, NY, and Louis Astafan III of Frankfort. Also sharing in this loss is his brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Alice Astafan of Carmichael, CA; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Joan (Zegibe) Astafan of New Hartford. The family is grateful to the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for the care they offered to his wife Mae during her final journey in August, 2015. They compassionately tended to her every need. Visitation will be held Sunday from 5:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions in his memory may be considered to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. at http://www.hospicecareinc.org/donate/donate-online/; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The Prayer of Incense will be offered at 7:45 p.m. during visitation at the funeral home. A Celebration of Louis’ life will be held on Monday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, 520 Rutger Street, where his Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be offered by Chorbishop John D. Faris and Deacon Paul Salamy with Military Honors conferred by the United States Army. Interment will follow graveside in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Louis J. Astafan

September 24, 1923 - December 9, 2015