Orazio D. Tocci

Mr. Orazio D. “Orrie” Tocci, age 71, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at Mohawk Valley Health Systems at St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving and devoted family by his side. Born in Utica on July 1, 1942, Orazio was the son of the late Joseph M. and Eugenia “Gina” (Pragliola) Tocci. Raised and educated locally, Orrie was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1960. He began his collegiate studies at Buffalo State University graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He pursued his post-graduate work at SUNY New Paltz graduating in 1966 with a Master of Fine Arts degree. On August 22, 1966 in St. Mary’s Church in Frankfort he married the former Mary Catherine Kattato with whom he has shared his heart and soul for 47 years; Orrie and Mary were inseparable during their lifelong journey. Orrie worked as an Art teacher in the Utica City School District for 34 years. His creativity and calm demeanor in the classroom will long be remembered by the legions of students whose lives he enriched during his teaching days. He will never be forgotten. To all who knew and loved him, Orrie was a patient, talented, trustworthy, gentle, and kind man. A loving patriarch, he was involved in each of his children’s and grandchildren’s lives even to his last days, from Little League to Boy Scouts. He enjoyed bonfires with his family and friends, and he found tranquility in his Art studio and quiet moments reading. As a practicing artist, Orrie appeared in shows nationwide. His published book featuring his woodcut prints entitled One Mind’s Eye is registered in the Library of Congress. Charitable and civic minded, Orrie served as Chairman of the Board of the Multiple Sclerosis Society for 15 years, receiving the Tiffany Crystal Award on December 18, 1986. The award signifies hope for a bright future and is given in recognition for an exceptional level of leadership over an extensive period of time. A snow skiing enthusiast, Orrie served as a National Ski Patrol member for 25 years, spending most of his time on Shumaker Mountain in Little Falls. He practiced his Catholic faith as a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Orrie is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine; his daughters and son-in-law, Bianca Tocci, Adria and William Bukovsky, and Stephanie Tocci and her dear friend, Mario Bevivino, all of Utica; his son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Gledis Tocci of Saratoga; his grandchildren, Alexa Bukovsky, Maxwell Bukovsky, Logan Tocci, Gianna Tocci, and Elirian Tocci; and his sister, Concetta “Connie” Despins of Utica. His extended family includes his many nieces, nephews, with special mention of his nephew Fran Kattato, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws Virginia Kattato, and Mary Kattato, both of Frankfort, and Charlotte Tocci of FL; and his oldest and dearest friends, Louis Pardi, Dr. John DeTraglia, Dick Garofalo, Anthony Funicello, Michael Caleo, Vincent Sbarra, and also Jerry Vaccarella, Jeremy Ukena, and many friends and colleagues too numerous to mention. He was predeceased by his brother, Frank J. Tocci, in August of 2001. The family sends God’s blessing to Dr. John DeTraglia for his consummate friendship and being by Orrie’s side every mile of his journey. The family will honor and commemorate Orrie’s life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Orrie's funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may consider a donation to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Stevens-Swan Humane Society; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. “You were the dearest, kindest husband, father, and Poppi. We love you and we will miss you. Rest in Peace.”

Orazio D. Tocci

July 1, 1942 - May 18, 2014