Mr. Neno A. Forte

UTICA - Mr. Neno A. Forte, age 76, went home to the Lord when he passed away on Friday, June 8, 2018 at the Abraham House after complications from liver cancer. At the time of his passing, his loving son and family were by his side. Born in Utica on September 10, 1941, Neno was the son of the late Nazzareno and Lavinia (Cecilia) Forte. On December 3, 1960 he married the former Sandra A. “Sandy” Kinville with whom he shared 50 years prior to her passing on December 27, 2010. They enjoyed common interests and a traditional marriage of their era. At the age of 19, Neno began working at the National Auto Stores and worked his way up to management. He had a pleasant personality, a good rapport with people, and the character and integrity to be successful. His career at National Auto spanned 25 years of dedicated service. Neno’s family history included gardening and making homemade wine, traditions his parents passed down to him and which led to his second vocation at Baker Greenhouses on Herkimer Road. This job was rooted in his love of planting, cultivating, and seeing the fruits of his labor. As a patriarch, Neno was a good provider and protector for his family. He loved the casino and trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas with his late wife. He was a perfectionist in creating his vegetable garden which yielded many fresh and delicious meals. He was a very sociable man, but was one who was known to speak his mind. When Neno was looking to have a good time, he fired up the grill and gathered his family and friends for a cookout! He also loved his automobiles and was meticulous in maintaining their appearance. Neno is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Renee and Jerry Calabrese; his sons, Mike A. Forte, and Keith Brucker; grandchildren, JoElle Buck, Breanna Forte, and Adam Brucker; and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves his in-laws, Bonny Drewnowski, and Darren and Jackie Kinville; and his close friends with whom he shared many wonderful memories, Lenny and Anna Nolan and family, Angelo Pedone, Carl Coniglio, Murl Constantine, Frank Monaco, and “Big John” Lucarelli and his friends from Pellettieri Joe’s. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Oliver and Anne (Coggins) Kinville. The family wishes to thank Neno’s physicians who were concerned about his wellbeing; the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center/4th & 6th Floor; the personnel of the St. Luke’s Home; the caregivers of the Abraham House who welcomed him during his final journey; and Hospice & Palliative Care for their compassion. In keeping with Neno’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Neno’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning 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. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Neno A. Forte

September 10, 1941 - June 8, 2018