Honorable Louis F. "Louie" Papa

Honorable Louis F. “Louie” Papa, age 56, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the support of his loving wife, parents, and family by his side. Born in Utica on July 1, 1956, Louis was the son of Angelo C., Sr. and Clara (Bendino) Papa. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. He continued his academic studies, graduating from the SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome and attending the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he earned an MBA degree. A highly motivated professional, Louis attained his Juris Doctorate from Syracuse University College of Law. On June 25, 2005 he married the former Deborah Lynn Davis with whom he shared a beautiful relationship. Louis currently served as a New York State judge appointed to the NY State Workers’ Compensation Board. He concurrently offered his expertise in the area of Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax Law. A proud equestrian, Louie enjoyed the excitement of owning racehorses and met the multitude of responsibilities that rides with this privilege. He was a proud member of the USTA (United States Trotting Association). Louie loved traveling with his family to special places and sharing memorable experiences. He most especially enjoyed trips to Disney World. He delighted in sharing a fine cigar with his father and brother under the grapevine, and he looked forward to his traditional Thursday lunch meeting with his father, brother, and cousin, Peter. He was a great fan of the Green Bay Packers and the New York Yankees. He loved fishing, smelting, and making his own fishing jigs. Louie held in high regard the spirit of community and comradery he shared with his fellow Law professionals. He was a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Syracuse University Alumni Association, and a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Louis is survived by his wife, Deborah “Lynn”; his parents, Angelo C., Sr. and Clara; and his brother and “lifelong partner,” Angelo E. Papa, Jr. and Susan Todora of Utica. Also left to mourn his passing are his step-sons and their spouses, Thomas and Melissa Grinnell of Blossvale, Garrett and Michelle Grinnell of Camden, Matthew Grinnell and fiancée Katie Stevenson of Rome, and Caleb Grinnell/US Navy currently stationed in Hawaii; and his step-grandchildren, Gage, Madison; Garrett II, and Gabryll. He will be missed by his uncles and aunts, Louis F. and Nancy Papa, Eleanor and Robert “Bob” Leone, Betty Bendino, Alice Bendino, Donna Bendino, and Lynn’s aunt Romayne who he held dear to his heart; his cherished nephew, Angelo “A.J.” Papa III and A.J.’s mother Cyndi Papa; his goddaughter, Anne Elizabeth Moore; a host of cousins; and his in-laws, Carol and Thomas Buck, Audrey and Theodore Lince, Bethanne and Timothy Hertweck, and Timothy and Wendy Davis. His canine companions, Minka, Bandit, Snoopy, Gus, and Bear, who he adored as his ‘children’, will long for their best friend. Louis was predeceased by his aunt, Marie E. Bendino; his uncles, Nicholas F. Bendino, Joseph L. and Clara Papa as well as Joseph’s 2nd wife, Margaret Papa; Edward Papa, Dominick “Red” and Gladys Papa, Josephine “Red” and John Donato, Gloria and Edward Schrader, Lucy V. and Peter A. Duniec Sr., Philomena C. “Phil” and Samuel W. Garfola; and his cousins, Theresa Schmitter, John Donato, and Edward Schrader. The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Scott Brehaut, Dr. Joe Booth, the Emergency staff at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, the caring, compassionate staff of the Critical Care Unit; and Dr. Ahmad Mian, Dr. Charles Eldredge, Dr. Ira Tisch, Dr. Ashish Regulagadda, and the Dialysis Unit doctors and staff for their loving support. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Louis’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Interment will take place graveside at Calvary Cemetery.

Honorable Louis F. "Louie" Papa

July 1, 1956 - April 27, 2013