Mr. Michael J. "Big Mike" Licari

UTICA - Mr. Michael J. “Big Mike” Licari, age 89, passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with his family by his side. Born in Ilion on July 21, 1929, Michael was the son of the late Salvatore T. “Sam” and Philomena “Minnie” (Rende) Licari. He was raised and educated locally. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Mike honorably served his country in the Korean War as part of the Transportation Division from 1951-1953 stationed stateside. At one time, he was wed to the late Kathleen Leo, and to that relationship came the blessing of three sons. Mike worked as a Local Teamster’s truck driver primarily for the American Hard Wall company operating a Ready Mix truck, and was subsequently employed at Griffith Brothers’ Bakery Supply. Mike exemplified the love for truck driving and shared the camaraderie of his fellow workers who became his best friends. “Big Mike” was well remembered for his tenacity and friendship after he retired in 1984. As a devoted father to his three sons, his life was always about staying together. Mike epitomized a strong work ethic while demonstrating the importance of success and survival in the workforce. Although work was a priority in his life, his three sons were of paramount importance. He had simple phrases that profoundly and appropriately impacted the boy’s lives that depicted his honesty, integrity, and love defining his parenting style. He was an impartial patriarch and wonderful provider encouraging each of them to be the best they could be in life. Mike was a single dad and the rock upon which his sons saw real life. He made sure his boys had the fundamentals including food, a home, and a family to rely upon. When they were young having dinner together was a must and they have beautiful memories of that tradition. When he retired, Mike helped his son Sal with his construction business by running around to different suppliers where all the vendors knew Mike, and were darn sure that there was no dawdling on his shift! Mike was a member of the Local Teamsters Union #294. He was a devout parishioner of St. Mark’s Church and when he attended Mass his faith in Christianity was renewed. Michael is survived by his sons and their loves, Salvatore “Sal” and Michelle (Garramone) Licari, Michael “Mike” and Christine (Kneller) Licari, and John R. Licari; and his grandchildren, Sal and wife Mary Licari; Aaron Licari, and Ashley Licari and husband Nate Alering. He also leaves behind his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, also his dedicated sister-in-law Audrey Licari who assisted Mike in raising his sons when they were young; and his wonderful neighbors and friends, William and Elaine Brunet, and Ernie and Judy DeCola for their unwavering concern and support. He was predeceased by his brother, Salvatore L. Licari; and his friends, Dominick Carriero, Bruno Saporito, Joseph Garramone, and George “Muzzy” Picenti. The family is grateful to Dr. Timothy LaFont, a kind, gentle physician and a genuine friend; Dr. Elif Erim at the Masonic Care Community, and the entire staff of the Masonic Home, especially the personnel of the Forestport Household for the professional, compassionate, outstanding, and memorable care they rendered to Mike during his stay. The family will honor and commemorate Mike’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Michael’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday morning at 10:30 at St. Mark’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Pasik with Military Honors conferred. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Memorial contributions in Mike’s honor may be directed to the praiseworthy American Cancer Society, 110 Lomond Court, Utica, New York 13502 or online at https://www.cancer.org donations may also be made to the Alzheimer's Association online at https://www.alz.org/. Envelopes will be available at the service.

Mr. Michael J. "Big Mike" Licari

July 21, 1929 - January 20, 2019