Mario A. Gottuso

Mario A. Gottuso, age 81, of Marcy, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 27, 2015 in the comfort of his home with his wife by his side. Born on December 25, 1934, he was the son of the late Anthony and Concetta (Brescia) Gottuso. He was raised and educated locally and graduated from T.R. Proctor High School in June 1952. During the Korean War he enlisted and honorably served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1957. He was trained as an electronic countermeasures technician for one year and was subsequently stationed at Burtonwood Air Force Base in Warrington, England. It was here he met his wife, Beryl, and they were married on June 23, 1956. It was a loving union for nearly 60 years blessed with two daughters, four granddaughters, and one great-granddaughter. Following his military service, he was employed at The General Electric Co., Aerospace Electronics System Department from 1957 to 1990 as an aerospace electronics engineer, later achieving engineer managerial status. He completed his formal education as a Magna Cum Laude honors graduate from Utica College of Syracuse University earning a B.S. Degree in Physics and appointed as a lifetime member of Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society. During his 33 year career with GE, Mario traveled all over the U.S. performing as an engineer leader conducting flight tests with his design equipment at many military bases and aircraft/electronic companies. He loved this work and on numerous occasions was awarded meritorious recognition from these customer groups for his outstanding skill, talent, and contribution. He was a member of the GE ELFUNS and Association of Electronic Countermeasure Old Crows. Mario was a “renaissance” man. He had a natural aptitude in the sciences and mathematics as well as a gifted talent in the arts. He was a consummate entertainer from a young age and performed in numerous theatrical productions for the GE Mountebanks and other groups. His special love in the art of magic earned him the moniker “The Great Macaroni,” performing for over 50 years especially in his Christmas magic show that he enacted for his entire family for over 20 years as a “gift” from his heart to them. He kept studying and practicing magic all his life. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and Society of American Magicians. He was awarded the Order of Merlin Shield for his contribution and service to magic. For over 40 years he was a member of the Local Magic Ring #101. Mario was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle with a charismatic personality and clever wit. He enjoyed all his family and relatives. In his personal life, Mario and his wife, whom he adored, shared and enjoyed travel to many places, which included 45 cruises and travel abroad to England. As a GI, he had the opportunity to journey to all parts of Europe, experiencing the sights and history and utilizing his gift of fluency in 3 languages. He was a prolific writer, both technical and artistic. In 2004, he wrote and published his memoirs, “The Time of My Life,” as a legacy for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to document all of his childhood and early life. It was humorous and nostalgic. Finally, solving crossword puzzles was his forte and daily ritual. Beryl, his life, soul mate, and best friend expresses the following: “You will be missed more than words can express. Our family and friends, our many traveled miles together, and all our experiences of good times will be the foundation of many memories of our years together. Our journey has taken a new path —- one ahead of the other. “Someday” has now taken on a new meaning. For everyone who knows and loves you, you will not be forgotten and will be sadly missed. I will hold you in my heart forever. We are “unchained” for the moment. Save a place for me.” Surviving Mario are his beloved wife, Beryl (Be), his two daughters, Gina Mancini of Utica, and Donna Dodson of Virginia; he was preceded by his son-in-law, Joe Mancini; his beloved grandchildren, Ashley and Jaime Mancini and Allison and Carly Dodson; great-granddaughter, Liliana, who in his present life has been one of his greatest joys; Frances Kinville and Ann Ryan; his nieces and husbands, Joyce and Mark Boulerice, Linda and Louis Denato; and nephews, Jimmy, and Anthony Ryan, and Bobby Williams; many great-nieces, great-nephews, and several cousins. He is preceded by his two sisters, Rose Sobkowiak, and Dolores Gottuso; his in-laws, Peter and Alice Ryder; as well as his beloved canine companion “Pepper.”. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Mario’s niece and nephew, Linda and Louis, for the love, respect, and support they provided to their uncle for a long time. Gratitude is also expressed to Mario’s neighbors, Dorothy and Allan Cornnell, for their thoughtful support on the night of his passing. Visitation will be held Thursday afternoon from 3:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions may be considered to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mario's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday afternoon at 4:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Christine Abbass, Celebrant, officiating the ceremony. Inurnment will take place in Carr Cemetery in Marcy at the convenience of the family.

Mario A. Gottuso

December 25, 1934 - December 27, 2015