Mr. Philip F. Arcuri, Sr., Ret./UPD

UTICA - Mr. Philip F. Arcuri, Sr., Ret./UPD, age 93, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2020 with his son and grandson by his side. His beloved wife Theresa and son Louie were waiting for him at the gates of heaven with open arms. Born in Utica on July 11, 1926, Philip was the son of the late Joseph and Agata (Cardamone) Arcuri. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School Class of 1945. A patriotic member of the Greatest Generation and veteran of the United States Marine Corp, he honorably served his country during World War II. On September 17, 1949 he married the former Theresa Valente with whom he shared 51 years as true and trusting partners. Together they built a happy home and family life which was a blessing to their children and the generations that followed. He was a hard worker and a good provider, and part of his heart went with Theresa when she passed on August 31, 2001. Phil loved and cherished his beloved to the day of his passing. A patriot who served his country, Phil also dedicated his life to protect and serve his community when he was appointed to the Utica Police Department in 1952. He worked as a Patrolman for 37 years. He was true to his brothers, his badge, and the citizens of Utica. He retired from the force in 1989. Phil was past president of the John E. Creedon Police Benevolent Association (PBA) for 17 consecutive years and also served as Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety under the Pawlinga Administration. As patriarch of his family, Philip was a true gentleman in all aspects and his family aspired to emulate his ethics and values. He had an amazing personality and a proclivity to adapt to any situation that arose. He spent quality time with his wife and children and focused on the important things that mattered in life. He respectfully stood by his kids throughout all the phases of their lives, adjusted to worldly changes, and found a way to make everything ok. When his grandchildren and great-grandchildren came into his life, his spirit was uplifted. He loved when they sat with grandpa and was amused by their personalities. They reminded him of the memories of his own children and the immense joy he had when they were young. Phil carried on his Italian family traditions, especially Sunday dinner when his wife cooked the sauce, he prepared his famous braciole, and everyone listened to the Italian-American music hour on the radio. It made for a perfect day and perpetual memories. He was a good, fair-minded man, and the wisdom he accrued in serving his country and his city shined through and was reflected in the stories he recounted that resonated through the years. There was power in Phil’s word, and gentleness in his heart. He helped so many people, advocating for their wellbeing and helping them stay on the straight and narrow. Because of his war injuries, Phil was placed in a Boston Hospital to recuperate. He acquired a love for Boston and made family trips traversing the backroads to the fabulous city and taking in the sites and scents of Little Italy. He honored Italian feasts and religious celebrations and made Sunday pilgrimages to his favorite shrine at Auriesville. Phil was a charter member of the Northeastern Police Conference, serving as its first Secretary/Treasurer. He held three different offices in the Police Conference of New York, Inc. and also served as Vice President of the New York State Federation of Police, Inc. He was also an honorary member of the Utica Fire Fighters Association/Local #32 and an honorary member of the Association of Retired Professional Police and Fire Fighters of Upstate New York. Philip was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. He held the Lord close to his heart, prayed petitions for the well being of all, and blessed his family daily. He loved life and enjoyed and embraced it to the fullest. He achieved peace of mind through his work as a peacemaker, and was grateful for the many blessings the Lord granted him. Philip is survived by his children and their spouses, Linda and Norman Doucette, Phyllis Ross (and the memory of his predeceased son-in-law, Donald Ross), and Philip F. Jr. and Carolyn Arcuri. Never forgotten and always in his heart was the memory of his son, Louis R. “Louie” Arcuri who preceded him on January 4, 2015. He will be remembered by his daughter-in-law, Donata Arcuri. He also leaves his adored grandchildren, Larissa Sullivan, Samantha and Rick Elder; Julie and Kenny Clarke, Melissa and Ilmar Hogan; Philipo Blake Arcuri and Alex, and Isabella Taylor “Bella” Arcuri. He was overjoyed to know that his son and wife were expecting a child in October, who will join brothers Dylan, and Aiden. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Corey, and Makayia; Terri, and Kenny; Bailey, and Amelia; and Liam, and the anticipation of his sister Nora in August; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; special and longtime friends, Anthony and Marie Cucinotta; neighbors, the Cemer family who could never do enough for Phil; and Ben with whom he shared a lifetime of friendship. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Pasquale “Pat” and Mary Arcuri, John and MaryLouise Arcuri, and Dominick Joseph “Dick” and Olga Arcuri; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Louis and Violet Valente; and in-laws, Antoinette “Lolly” and Edward Vidoni. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Richard Sullivan of the Veterans Affairs Rome Clinic; the staff of the Syracuse Veterans Administration, the Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing of Ilion; and Rev. James Cesta who blessed and visited Phil at his home. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be directed to St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay Street, Utica, NY 13501, or online at http://www.mountcarmelblessedsacrament.com. Due to current health concerns and in keeping with federal and state regulations, services will be held intimately with immediate family only. During these isolated times in our lives, we ask that you please share a memory with Philip’s family on this tribute page. “Semper Fi”

Mr. Philip F. Arcuri, Sr., Ret./UPD

July 11, 1926 - April 25, 2020