Michael John "Mikey" DePerno

Michael John “Mikey” DePerno, age 8, of Whitesboro, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 10, 2006. Born in New Hartford on April 30, 1997, Mikey was the cherished son of Rachel A. DePerno. He was in the second grade at Westmoreland Road Elementary School where he was well-liked by his teachers and his fellow students alike. “A ray of sunshine” and the center of the DePerno family from the very day of his birth, Mikey was a blessing to Rachel: the happiness that he brought her as her first-born was immeasurable. His grandparents also played vital and meaningful roles in his life: his Poppy was his idol and the person with whom he shared all the fun things, his Nonnie was his guardian angel, and they both cared for him with boundless love and devotion. Mikey was a joy to everyone. He was a happy child who brightened the days of all who knew him with his smiles and laughter. Family, friends, neighbors, schoolmates, and teachers were all readily won over by his gift for warming their hearts and melting away all obstacles to love and friendship. Mikey truly loved life and welcomed every day with excitement and wonder. More than anything, he loved being with his family, especially when they went on vacations to amusement parks where the most fun and pleasure came from the roller coasters and video games. During his summer excursions, he also liked collecting snakes, spiders, and frogs. Mikey loved sports, especially snow sports, such as “tubing”; he also liked playing soccer and hunting at the family camp. He was a loyal fan of Syracuse University basketball, NY Yankee baseball, wrestling and riding his bike. His favorite meal was pasta, especially when accompanied by all “the extras,” and he loved playing Yu-Gi-Oh, a mystical character game. His family’s parish is St. Paul’s Church in Whitesboro where he was looking forward with great anticipation to his First Communion when he would receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Michael is survived by his mother, Rachel A. DePerno and her fiancé, Ron Gage; his brother, Dakota, known to his family as “Cody; his grandparents, Lawrence V. and Sandra (DeTraglia) DePerno of Whitesboro; and his great-grandparents, E. Charles and Florence DeTraglia of Utica. He is also survived by a special uncle who was his “good buddy” and an aunt, Lawrence C. and Heather DePerno of Whitesboro, and their children, Lillian Diane, Antonia Marie, and Josephine Sarah; his great-uncles and great-aunts, Charles and Carol DeTraglia, and Michael and Natalie DeTraglia and their children; his great-great-uncles and great-great-aunts, with special mention of Captain John DePerno; and numerous cousins. In addition, Mikey will be remembered by his best friend and inseparable buddy, “Little Louie” DeSarro, as well as Ronnie and Connor, and his many other friends, his classmates, and his neighborhood companions. He also leaves his dogs, Roo and Shylo. He was predeceased by his great-grandparents, Lawrence J. and Mary D. DePerno. The family is deeply grateful to everyone who offered their support, compassion, kindness, and service during a most difficult time, especially to Dr. Vasishtha and to Kathy Krowicki who have been exceptional caregivers throughout Mikey’s childhood, to the staff of the ER at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, to Sue Cooper for her warmth and friendship, to the personnel of Kunkel Ambulance for their valiant efforts, and to the staff of University Hospital. Visitation will be held today (Wednesday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider contributions to the family to use for an appropriate memorial purpose. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Funeral Mass for Michael on Thursday morning at 11:30 at St. Paul’s Church in Whitesboro. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Michael John "Mikey" DePerno

April 30, 1997 - April 10, 2006