Mr. Michael G. DePalma

Mr. Michael G. DePalma, age 89, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at the home of his daughter in North Carolina. He was surrounded with the love and support of his family by his side at the time of his passing. Born in Mohawk, NY on November 2, 1921, Michael was the son of the late Gerardo and Oliva (DeMotts) DePalma. He was raised and educated in Herkimer. A proud veteran of World War II, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and member of the Military Police. He was part of the Airborne Forces landing on the beaches of Normandy, France as part of the D-Day Allied invasion of Europe. Michael received the European-African-Middle Eastern service medal and the Good Conduct Medal. It was on April 7, 1956 that he married the former Mary Jane Messineo with whom he shared 55 years. They cherished each other and honored the qualities and kindnesses of each of their hearts during their more difficult years. Mary Jane tended to Michael’s well being with much compassion and selflessness for which he was so grateful. After the war, Michael worked for the Jewel Tea Company, and then Charles Chips Company as a salesman and route man. He later held a position at the Hygrade Meat Packing Company. Ultimately, he established Del-Ree, Inc., a meat distribution operation and Italian deli located in Rome, a business he operated until his retirement. A man of great integrity and determination, Michael saw the world and people in a good light. He was passionate and proud of his family and recognized his blessings, especially his marriage and the honor of having the title of father. He was a wonderful daddy and when he became “Tati”, he lived up to the expectations of a grand man who made his grandchildren know how special each of them was to him. Michael was fun-loving, quick witted, emotional, and fortified with a great sense of humor. He always found ways to charm his children and grandchildren, from letting them watch him shave to singing a favorite song, especially in the car while driving them to their destination. He enjoyed camping in tents, trailers, and then in a real RV, trips to Virginia Beach, and memorable times in North Carolina. The radio was always on because music lifted his soul and spirit as he sang along and played solitaire. He was a passionate collector of various precious memorabilia including Lionel trains highlighted by a set at his home that was amazing and magical, baseball cards, and wrist and pocket watches. He volunteered his time at the Utica Psychiatric Center coffee shop overseeing the daily runnings and wholeheartedly enjoyed visiting with “his friends” in good conversation and camaraderie. An avid reader, he was also an outstanding cook and pizza was his specialty. He was a member of the Herkimer Elks Club, the Herkimer VFW, and a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Michael is survived by the love of his life, Mary Jane; his daughters and son-in-law, Ann Marie Stemmer of NC, and Oliva “Lee” and Ronald Raymer (who he loved as a son) of Cassville; his grandchildren, Karrie and Paul Gonzalez, Tabatha and Richard Boyd, Danielle Stemmer; Michelle Raymer, and Ronnie and Frida Raymer; and the anticipated birth of his first great-grandson. Also left to mourn his passing is is his sister, Irene Rende; his nieces, especially Olivia “Livi” Spatolla, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws (who he loved as his own family) Natalie Larkin, Thomas Larkin, and Christopher and Patricia Messineo; and his longtime friends, Don and Terri Beagle, and Dale and Linda Hoffman and their daughter Kristin who Michael and Mary Jane baptized. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Sue and William Schuster. The family extends sincere thanks to Judy Balch, F.N.P-C, primary care professional who gave so much personal attention and compassion to Michael and his family. Special gratitude is also offered to Paul O’Hara from the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes who brought Michael communion and friendship. Visitation will be held on Sunday (today) from 2-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Michael Pliseck VFW Post 4915 will perform Ritualistic Services at 2:30 and the Elks Club Herkimer Lodge 1439 will perform Ritualistic Services at 4:30. Michael’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 11:30 from the funeral home and at 12:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Entombment will take place in the Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery with military honors.

Mr. Michael G. DePalma

November 2, 1921 - May 10, 2011