Michael S. DeCuffa

Mr. Michael S. DeCuffa, age 96, of Utica, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, January 10, 2009. Born in Utica on July 31, 1912, Michael was the son of the late Giuseppe and Assunta (Bevelaqua) DeCuffa. He was raised in Utica and attended local public schools. On September 12, 1934 at St. Stanislaus Church he married the former Helen Palewski with whom he shared 55 years in a loving relationship. He was devoted to caring for Helen until her passing on May 30, 1989 and he honored her memory until his last day. As a young adult, Michael worked at the Shenandoah Rayon Co. and for a few years before WWII he assisted his brothers in their bakery on Mary St. During WWII he gained employment at the Savage Arms Co. Upon his brother's return from the war, they established DeCuffa Brothers Bakery on Bleecker St. and he was a part of that business for 20 years. Subsequently, Mike was as an associate of Dandee Donuts until his retirement. Blessed with a valuable and unique work ethic, Mike was admired for his strength of character by succeeding generations of his family. His keen insight and sensibility allowed him to follow current events and cultivate an interest in political concerns. Always well aware of family events, he took great pleasure in the activities of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed following sports and as a baseball enthusiast he was forever a Yankees fan. Mike was health-conscious and physically fit, and he respectfully cared for his well-being with much pride. Those who knew and loved him will remember his personal attributes --- he was industrious, loving, and his greatest virtue was his humility. He was a longtime parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Michael is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Dorothy Drumm of Yonkers, NY, and Deanna and John W. Sammon, Jr. of New Hartford; his grandchildren, Donna Drumm of Greenwich, CT, twins James and Heena Drumm of Singapore and Michael Drumm of San Francisco, CA, Regina Frate of Easton, CT, Paul and Jane Drumm of Hinsdale, IL, Karen Sammon and her husband, William Cardamone of Clinton, Ellen and Matthew Harblin of Bronxville, NY, and John III and Michelle Sammon of Clinton; and his 16 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include his sister, Rose Coriale of New Hartford; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Grace Caruso, and Madeline DiSalvo; and his brothers, Anthony DeCuffa, and Raymond DeCuffa. The family wishes to thank Betty Hartmann, Patti Behr, and Patty Bravo for the outstanding and loving care they rendered to Mike. In keeping with the family’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Michael’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John's Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Michael S. DeCuffa

July 31, 1912 - January 10, 2009