Michael P. Surace, Jr.

Mr. Michael P. Surace, Jr., age 66, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 15, 2006 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. Born in Utica on May 1, 1940, Michael was the son of the late Michael P. Sr. and Ruth (Chiever) Surace. He was raised and educated locally. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1957-58. Very well known throughout the greater Utica area, Mr. Surace was employed as a taxi driver for most of his life, most recently for City Cab. Michael loved and cherished his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a friendly and personable man who was well-liked by all those fortunate enough to come into contact with him. Evidence of his warm heart was the way he affectionately referred to many of those he met and associated with as “Honey.” In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing and camping. Mr. Surace is survived by 2 daughters and a son-in-law, Tina Surace of SC, and Heather and Wayne Williams of Utica; 4 sons and daughters-in-law, Michael P. III and Melody Surace of Utica, Vincent Surace of SC, Christopher and Terrel Surace of New Hartford, and Stephen and Gina Surace of Deerfield; 8 grandchildren; and his stepchildren and their spouses, Keith and Ledia Brucker of Utica, Billy and Debbie Brucker of SC, and Kelly and Doug Hutchins of Boonville. He is also survived by a sister, Carol Romas of Utica with whom he shared an especially close relationship; a brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Gina Surace of SC; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves many good and lifelong friends, including Sammy McBee, Tommy Caruso, and Bobby Baird. He was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law, Anita L. and Robert A. “Bob” Clarke; and 2 brothers and a sister-in-law, Gerald R. “Jerry” Surace and Joseph and Dolly Surace. The family offers its sincere thanks to the nurses and staff of the ER at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their service and compassion. A Memorial Gathering will be held today (Sunday) from 2-4 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Please omit floral offerings. A Celebration of Life for Mr. Surace will be conducted at the funeral home this afternoon at 4:00 immediately upon the conclusion of calling hours.

Michael P. Surace, Jr.

May 1, 1940 - June 15, 2006