Louis J. Gigliotti Jr.

Mr. Louis J. Gigliotti, Jr., age 80, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 13, 2012 at his home with his wife by his side. A lifelong Utican, Louis was born on May 4, 1932, a son of the late Louis, Sr. and Florence M. (Marchesino) Gigliotti. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School Class of 1951. He shared a great closeness with his fellow classmates and served on the Reunion Committee until the day of his passing. During his high school years he was outstanding in sports and was honored with the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) in both basketball and football. He was so proud of his alma mater, Proctor High. On June 23, 1956 he married the former Laurice R. Dowe with whom he shared 56 years; a great couple, they were compatible, loving, and supportive. They traveled well together and their trips were always exciting and entertaining. They were blessed with a very full life. Lou was the owner and operator of the Step-N-Style Shoe Store in Little Falls and Ilion. He also held employment with the Observer-Dispatch Insert Room, and the Nehi Bottling Company. To know Lou was to appreciate a man who loved and protected his family unconditionally. A gentle and serene soul, he loved children and held dear his family values and way of life. Anytime he was surrounded by his family was precious time. He worked hard and used his God-given talents to the best of his ability. He was sociable, conversational, humorous, and fun-loving. A food connoisseur, he savored his wife’s tasty cuisine. An intuitively artistic and creative man, he was an inventor, woodworker, and saxophone player. He loved animals, collected antique cars, and was a member of the Pierce Arrow Society. He loved to travel, especially with his family to Disneyland, and at any given time he would be in the mood for “a drive”. He excelled at hand/eye coordination sports, especially bowling. All said, Lou was a winner in life, and an inspiration to those who knew and loved him. Lou is survived by his wife, Laurice; his daughters and son-in-law, Doreen Ann Balls of Deerfield and Philip Harris, and Lisa and Michael Giaramita of Port Washington, NY; his granddaughters, Alysha Balls, and Brittany Balls; Arianna Giaramita, and Daniela Giaramita; and his great-grandson, Bryan Louis Balls, who affectionately called him Poppy. He also leaves his brothers and sister-in-law, Thomas and Phyliss (Conte) Gigliotti, and Ronald L. “Ronnie” Gigliotti, Sr., all of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins residing in Utica and Rome; an aunt, Betty Marchesino Bovi; and in-laws Lila Atkinson, Albert Jr. and Yolanda Dowe, Beverly DiGirolamo, Joseph and Suellen Dowe, Richard H. and Cheryl Dowe, and Margaret and James Costello. He was also blessed with many wonderful friends, especially the Rappa and Kistner families. He was predeceased by his brother, John Robert Gigliotti; and brothers-in-law, Donald Atkinson and Dominick DiGirolamo. The family is grateful to the Utica Fire Department Emergency Response Team, and the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Emergency Room physicians and staff for their kindness and compassion, as well as Sr. Sharon Ann for her prayers and support. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Louis’ funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. His family will graciously receive condolences at the conclusion of services. By family request, please omit floral offerings.

Louis J. Gigliotti Jr.

May 4, 1932 - July 13, 2012