Mr. Michael "Mino" Verna

UTICA - Michael “Mino” Verna, age 87, entered into eternal peace on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at the Siegenthaler Center with his loving family by his side. His passing occurred just 3 hours after a beautiful red cardinal made a visit right outside his window. Born in Bari, Italy on May 2, 1930, Michael was the son of the late Sebastiano and Angela (Ardito) Verna. He was raised and educated in Italy. On April 30, 1958, he married the former Olympia Annoscia with whom he shared 70 loving years prior to her passing on May 16, 2017. Suffering from a broken heart, his health declined rapidly. While together, they shared their love and their lives in a union based on sacrifice, a hard work ethic, honesty, and integrity. Michael served in the Italian army, where he entered a multi-military competition, proudly winning a gold medal in the javelin throw event. He was also a member of the B-league soccer team in Bari, Italy and derived much enjoyment from boxing events. In his younger years, Michael held various occupations in Italy, including the commercial trucking industry in Torino. In 1967, he and his family moved from Italy to Utica. While living in Utica, he was employed in diverse positions, including construction, a baker at the Florentine Pastry Shop, and the Municipal Housing Authority from which he retired. He enjoyed his time at the “Cappuccino” on Bleecker Street, socializing and playing cards with his friends, while sipping espresso coffee. People knew him as a selfless and generous person who would always go out of his way for others. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he cherished his times spent around the kitchen table with his family, chatting and sharing a multitude of homemade cooking, homemade breads, and wine. Everyone was always welcome! Nothing brought him greater joy than to watch his children and grandchildren grow up, while instilling in them the importance of traditional family values. His grandchildren adored him tremendously and affectionately referred to him as “Nonno.” He loved them unconditionally and, in his eyes, they could do no wrong. They will miss their Nonno terribly. Michael shared a special relationship with his sons-in-law, whom he considered sons and, in which, they affectionately called him “Dad.” He had a unique way of offering loving gestures that made his time with his entire family irreplaceable and unforgettable. His loved ones meant the world to him, and they were the essence of his life. “Ci vediamo, Papà bello.” Michael is survived by his daughters and sons-in law, Angela and John Arcuri of New Hartford, and Nancy “Tina” and Joseph Arcuri of Manlius; his grandchildren, John and Kimberly Arcuri of Albany, Michael and Shannon Arcuri of Whitesboro, Joey Arcuri of Ithaca, Audrey Arcuri of Brooklyn, and Rachelle Arcuri of West Palm Beach, Florida; and his great-grandchildren, Johnny, Jason, Jaxon, and Serena Arcuri. He was proud to know that he was expecting a great-grandson in June to be named after him. He also leaves his sister, Aida Verna of Italy; sister-in-law, Dora DeFazio of Utica; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Rosetta and Eugenio Trisciuzzi; brothers and sister-in-law, Giuseppe and Rosetta Verna, and Fiore Verna; in-laws, Natalie and Jack McCormack, Domenica and Michele Ranieri; and brother in-law, Sam DeFazio. The family extends their gratitude to the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care at the Siegenthaler Center for their extremely compassionate care, as well as the wonderful staff from Trusted Friends Home Care, who kept him comfortable while at his home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Michael’s funeral service and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Thursday, February 8 at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Mr. Michael "Mino" Verna

May 2, 1930 - January 30, 2018