Mr. Peter A. "Purp" Barone

Mr. Peter A. “Purp” Barone, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 in the comfort of his home with his family by his side. Born in Utica on February 3, 1929, Peter was the son of the late Anthony and Margaret (Longo) Barone. Raised and educated locally, he attended T.R. Proctor High School. On October 16, 1948 he married the former Rosina T. Campese with whom he shared 59 years. Blessed with reciprocal love, they pledged their devotion to each other during their entire married life, and Peter attentively cared for Rosina during her illness. His beloved Rosina passed away on December 26, 2007. At one time, Peter held employment with the Horrocks-Ibbotson Company. He was also proud to be affiliated with his brother as owners and operators of Barone’s Bar located on Bleecker Street. Peter subsequently worked at the Utica Board of Water Supply, the position from which he retired as a Supervisor. Above all else, Peter’s family was his world, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. A very vibrant patriarch, he especially loved Christmas Eve as a time to gather with family and proudly serve his homemade wine. His loved ones knew the time and talent involved in picking and preparing the grapes, fermenting, and bottling the wine which was a labor of love for Peter. In summer, he enjoyed family picnics at Otsego Lake and the anticipation of the annual family vacation where many memories were made and traditions were passed on to loved ones. He traveled with his wife every year to Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and many other locations. The trip of his lifetime was his journey to Italy where he was blessed to have touched the Pope! An outdoorsman, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, excited about his yearly fishing expedition to the St. Lawrence Seaway in Canada. Winter never put a damper on Peter’s participation in recreational sports as he was active in bowling and skiing, as well as water sports. Peter followed the NY Yankees, and was one of their biggest fans. He demonstrated good citizenship and wanted to make a difference in his community and benefit the common good through his political pursuits and activities. He was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Peter is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Linda R. Marino of Clinton, and Diane and Greg Schiffer of Utica; his grandchildren, Melanie and Mike O’Neil, Patrick Callahan, Don Jr. and Kristina Marino, Holly Rose and Paul Cubas, and Nicholas Marino; and his great-grandchildren, Isabella Callahan and her mother Dana Dziegiel, Stephanie O’Neil, Derek Marino, and Olivia Rose Cubas. Always close to his heart was the memory of his great-grandson, Dylan Joseph Virkler Callahan, who preceded him in death. He also leaves his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph “Joe Beans” and Loretta Barone of Marcy; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, especially acknowledging Freddy Barone, his Sunday mall-walking partner; and his sister-in-law, Rita Cirasuolo. The family extends gratitude to Peter’s nephew, Ricky Cirasuolo, and Garry Spink and family for the loving care and concern they shared with Peter throughout the years. Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Peter’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. Abe Esper. Interment will take place graveside in Calvary Cemetery. “We love you, Daddy”

Mr. Peter A. "Purp" Barone

February 3, 1929 - February 11, 2014