Mr. Peter V. Ancona

Mr. Peter V. Ancona, age 90, of Utica, went home to join his beloved wife on Monday, July 12, 2010. His passing occurred at the Masonic Care Community of NY with the love and support of his family by his side. Born in Utica on May 30, 1920, Peter was the son of the late Joseph and Pasqua (Sgobba) Ancona. Raised and educated locally, he attended Utica Free Academy. A veteran of World War II, he was proud to have served his country in the U. S. Army as a paratrooper. September 20, 1941 marked the beginning of the union he shared with the former Alice Marks, a marriage that was blessed with love and mutual commitment throughout their 62 years together; Alice passed away on March 29, 2004. Mr. Ancona began his career as the owner and operator of his own business, Peter V. Ancona Motor Sales. Many Uticans will remember his slogan identifying him as “the workingman’s friend”, a designation which reflected the reputation he enjoyed from his fair and honest business practices. In addition, Peter was employed for many years as a sales associate for the Utica Casket Co. where he was known for the concern and dedication with which he served the community through his affiliation with the funeral industry. During his retirement years he assisted his son-in-law at Northeast Alloys and Metals. Mr. Ancona was a parishioner of St. Agnes Church. At one time he held membership in the Deerfield Lions Club, the U.S. Power Squadron, the DAV, Stars and Stripes Chapter #82, and the Customer Advisory Board of the U.S. Postal Service. Among his leisure activities, his favorite was stock car racing. As a longtime and avid fan, he derived great excitement and interest from the sport. Peter and his late wife also enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida, along with their family. Peter is survived by his 3 daughters and sons-in-law, Joyce A. Rossi, Cheryl and Paul R. Salvo, and Michele A. and Richard J. Synek, all of New Hartford; and a son and daughter-in-law, Joseph P. and Colleen M. Ancona of Utica. Always close to his heart was the memory of his son-in-law, Dominick “Dee Dee” Rossi, who preceded him in death. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael C. Rossi, Daniel P. and Jene Rossi, Kristin and Douglas Owen, Alissa and Richard Viti, Gina and Timothy Owens, Stefanie and Kevin Dorozynski, and Melissa Ancona; his great-grandchildren, Danielle Rossi, SP 4 Michael Rossi II, and their mother Kelly Rossi; Willow Rossi; Douglas Owen, Jr., Daniel Owen; Richard Paul Viti; Timothy T. Owens, Zachary Owens; and Stephen J. Dorozynski, and Anthony Dorozynski; and his great-great grandchild, Dominick. Peter also knew the love and respect of his “adopted daughters”, Valerie Yager, and Betsy Loughlin. Peter’s survivors also include 2 sisters and a brother-in-law, Angeline DeNigro, and Louise and Angelo Marraffa; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and his in-laws, Jean Rybka, Wilma and Kenneth Maloney, Robert and Helen Marks, Cosmo LaPolla, and Hans Wahlander. He was predeceased by 2 sisters, Antoinette LaPolla, and Mary DeLuca; a sister-in-law, Katherine Wahlander; and brothers-in-law, Joseph DeNigro, and Joseph Rybka. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the administration, health care providers, and support staff of the Masonic Care Community of NY who have been outstanding in their commitment by providing excellent, yet personal commitment while tending to “Their Pete”. The Westchester household exceeded expectations by their respectful and loving care of “Papa Pete” in such a special and memorable way. A special note of gratitude is also extended to Msgr. Francis Willenburg for his friendship and spiritual inspiration, as well as Fr. Anthony P. LaFache for his visits and prayers. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request please omit floral offerings and food donations. They ask for you to consider memorial contributions to Feed Our Veterans, an organization close to Peter’s heart (feedourvets.org); envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. Ancona’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday afternoon at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Military Honors. Entombment will take place in Crown Hill Mausoleum.

Mr. Peter V. Ancona

May 30, 1920 - July 12, 2010