Mr. Mickey E. Nackley

UTICA - Mr. Mickey E. Nackley, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, in the comfort and dignity of his home with his loving family by his side. Mickey was born in Utica on February 25, 1942, to the late James M. and Sadie (George) Nackley. Mickey was a graduate of T. R. Proctor High School/Class of 1960. He was an avid athlete, playing multiple sports, excelling in both baseball and football. This passion for sports never dwindled throughout his life; he was a devoted NY Giants fan and loved watching all levels of sports played by his children, nieces, nephews and his grandchildren. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1964, and retired years later from the U.S. Army Reserve as a Sergeant, First Class in 2002. On October 16, 1965 Mickey married the former Elizabeth B. “DeDee” Raiano. Mickey and DeDee adored each other and were the best of friends. They shared over 49 years as husband and wife until her passing on May 18, 2015. Her passing left a void in his heart as he treasured so many memories they shared together. Upon completion of high school, Mickey was proud of the 4 years he spent at Fleeger’s Office Supply working in its warehouse. In 1964 he began a position at Chicago Pneumatic. He was promoted several times to different positions and was most proud to become a Millwright, holding that position for 28 years until the plant’s closing in 1997. He then held a position with Orion Bus, where he worked up until retirement. Subsequently, he and his wife DeDee owned and operated The Pizza Café & Gourmet Emporium, both located in the New Hartford Shopping Center from 1988 until 1999. Mickey also lovingly devoted himself each season working on his son David’s farm (Sheep R-OOR). He labored in harvesting and processing the garlic through the various stages. He took this role very seriously with great pride and determination. Mickey was very proud of his family, loved his country and the opportunities it offered. He also loved his Lebanese Heritage. He was an active and loyal member of the New Hartford American Legion 1376 Post. He enjoyed the many activities and functions of the organization, as well as the numerous friendships that were made. Mickey’s children will always cherish the memories in earlier years of time spent camping with their dad. More recently, you might catch him at the three card poker table at the Turning Stone. He was an avid gardener, and especially loved to share his bounty with his loved ones. He loved to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events, at which he was the biggest (and often loudest) fan. Mickey was of the Catholic Faith and was very devoted to God. He devoutly attended Mary, Mother of our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus. Mickey is survived by his children and their loves, Christine M. Nackley and her husband Matt Leveroni, Michael L. Nackley and Colin Brown, and David J. Nackley and his wife Becky Calidonna. Always in Mickey’s heart was the memory of his and DeDee’s infant son, Thomas David, who he never forgot, and with whom he is now reunited. Mickey also leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved grandchildren, Athena C. Thomason and Jake Krol, and Angelina M. Thomason; Matthew Leveroni, and Joseph Leveroni; and Willow R. Nackley and Nick Starrantino; and two great-grandchildren, Giavanna Thomason; and Meadow Starrantino. Mickey is also survived by his sister, Zarefay Banek; and sister-in-law, Theresa Nackley. He is additionally survived by his closest cousin and friend, Rose Nelson; several nieces and nephews and as he often stated, “his favorite nephew”, Fred Nackley Jr., who was considered a third son; and his in-laws, Laura “Lolly” Buczek, Linda DeAscentis, and Luke Raiano II and his wife Kari Gibson Raiano. Mickey also leaves behind countless wonderful friends, including Vic, Bobby, Terry, Doug, and Aaron. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Fred and Florence Nackley, and George Nackley; his brother-in-law, Chester Banek; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Luke A., Sr. and Beatrice (Steinberger) Raiano. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In recognition for the care and compassion provided to Mickey and his family, memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at https://hospicecareinc.org/donate-online; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mickey's funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning, November 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. from the funeral home and at 11:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St., where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered with Military Honors conferred by the U.S. Army. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Mickey E. Nackley

February 25, 1942 - October 26, 2022