Paul M. Guerra

Mr. Paul M. Guerra, age 81, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma. Born in Syracuse, New York on October 1, 1927, Paul was the son of the late Enrico and Rose (Bianco) Guerra. He attended Syracuse schools, graduating from North High School in 1945. He married the former Marygrace Zangrilli, a close and loving marriage of 47 years that was filled with much love and happiness. After receiving his Masters in English Education at Oneonta State University, Paul began his teaching career at Delhi Academy, Delhi, NY, then went on to Dabney Lancaster Community College in Clifton Forge, Virginia, and completed his career at M.V.C.C. in Utica where he retired in 1989. He also worked with his wife for many years at the business they founded, Maria’s Pasta Shop. Paul loved to cook and entertain, and he and his wife hosted and enjoyed many holidays and parties for their extended family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, uncle, brother, and grandfather, and never missed one of his children’s school plays, activities, or sporting events. During his retirement, he enjoyed the company of many friends and family with his weekly coffee group with Tony, Jo, John and Anne, the ‘cousins lunch club’, and many Sunday breakfasts with Don and Kate. Devoted to his grandchildren, he loved to spend time with them and attend their school functions, soccer games, and music recitals. He was an avid reader, especially books about history and politics, and also enjoyed crossword puzzles, watching the NY Yankees, daily walks with his ever-faithful canine companion, Max, and many family trips to Maine. Paul was a communicant of Historic Old St. John’s Church in Utica, and a faithful supporter of the Food Pantry and Parish Center. He and the family appreciated the visits he received over the past few months from Deacon Bill Dischiavo, Father John Buehler, and Msgr. John Flanagan. Paul is survived by his wife, Marygrace; his daughters, Maria Guerra of Utica, Drs. Anne and John Sveen of Camillus, NY, Paula and Christopher Farley of St. Paul, Minnesota; and his grandchildren, Sarah and Mia Sveen, and Eliza Farley and Roman Farley. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Theresa Nixon, Las Cruces, NM, and Mrs. Mary Mancuso, Queens, NY; a brother, Joseph and Martha Guerra, Geneva, NY; and in-laws, Barbara Zangrilli of Whitesboro, and Anthony and Josephine Zangrilli of New Hartford, who were a constant source of support for him and the family during this time. He leaves many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, being blessed with so many who offered much-appreciated kindness and prayers over the past few months. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Luigi and Angelina Zangrilli, John and Philomena Zangrilli, Anne and Alfred Pardi, Raymond and Palma Zangrilli, Albert Zangrilli, Harold Nixon, and John Mancuso. The family extends sincere gratitude to Dr. Clifford Soults, Dr. Thomas Coyle and Karen Litwak of Upstate Oncology and Hematology, Dr. Gilbert Lawrence and his staff at Faxton Regional Cancer Center, Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially Navaz, Sally and Heidi, and caregiver, Traci. Visitation will be held Saturday morning from 10:00-12:00 noon at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Food Pantry at Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleeker St., Utica, NY 13501 or to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Paul's funeral service will commence on Saturday afternoon at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. “Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you there” ~ Isla Paschal Richardson We love you, Dad.

Paul M. Guerra

October 1, 1927 - December 9, 2008