Mr. Pasquale J. "Pat" DeSantis

Mr. Pasquale J. “Pat” DeSantis, age 90, passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2014 in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on September 14, 1924, Pasquale was the son of the late Anthony and Vita (Cofano) DeSantis. Raised and educated in Utica, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1946. Pat truly embodied the ethics of the Greatest Generation. He left high school to serve his country in the United States Army Air Corps as an aerial gunner and radio operator, flying in 52 combat missions over Africa, Italy, and France during World War II. He was assigned to India to fly air transport over the "Hump" in the Himalayan Mountains, a sky road over the most rugged mountain terrain in the world where he completed over 500 hours of air time bringing food, fuel, and ammunition to allied forces. Pat was awarded the Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters. He was honorably discharged from his military duty in 1945 and returned to Proctor High School where he completed his coursework and received his diploma. But he did not stop there… at the age of 51, he earned an Associate Degree in Accounting from M.V.C.C.! On February 11, 1956 Pat married the former Dorothy V. Magee with whom he shared 47 years enjoying a truly committed and dedicated relationship in which the joys of family life were a blessing to them; his beloved Dorothy passed away on July 15, 2003. Pat embodied the ethos of the Greatest Generation, embracing self-discipline, a dependable work ethic, honesty, and responsibility. He began working at the United States Postal Service, a career which ultimately spanned 42 years. In the beginning, he rode the mail train, then served as a clerk, and with dedication and hard work, he rose through the ranks retiring in 1987 from the position of Finance Director of the Utica Post Office. As a loving patriarch, Pat cared for his family through every age and stage of his life. Humble in nature, his greatest happiness was being surrounded by family. He was an iconic family man of his era. Spirited and strong of mind and body, Pat played Valley View golf course at 88 years old --- without a cart! He also enjoyed his weekly poker games with his friends at the North Utica Senior Center. He was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Pat is survived by his children and their spouses, Valois DeSantis of Utica, David and Sherj DeSantis of Skaneateles, and Christine and Ken Kathan of Fairport, NY; his grandchildren, Dana DeSantis, Patrick DeSantis, and Melissa Jane Kathan; and his sister, Angeline Entwistle of Mohawk. His extended family includes his many nieces, with special mention of Lou Ann DiNardi, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Rocco DiNardi, Suzanne D’Amore, James and Roseanne Magee, and Gloria DeSantis. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael A. and Rose M. DeSantis, Retired Colonel Joseph and Shirley DeSantis, and Vito “Nappi” DeSantis; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Grace and John Calandra, and Pasqua “Lena” and Joseph Camarra; and his many in-laws. The family is grateful to the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. whose support and guidance allowed Pat the dignity of being in his home at the end of his journey. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening (today) from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions may be considered to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. of Oneida, Herkimer, and Madison County or to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.iava.org); envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Pasquale’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno with Military Honors conferred. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Pasquale J. "Pat" DeSantis

September 14, 1924 - November 8, 2014