Raymond V. Nicotera

Mr. Raymond V. Nicotera, age 92, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, at home with his loving wife by his side. Born in Utica on April 13, 1921, Raymond was the son of the late Salvatore and Edith (Venettozzi) Nicotera. Raised and educated locally, he attended T. R. Proctor High School. A veteran of World War II, he served his country in the U.S. Army from 1942-1946 stationed in Bermuda. Sharing a union of 38 years, it was on June 13, 1986 that he married the former Dorothea “Dottie” Lyman; this marriage was a blessing to both of them as they shared much love, trust, and security. Raymond’s working life was entrepreneurial and diverse. He owned and operated Nicotera’s Gulf Service Station at the Five Points and subsequently was the proprietor of the Village Bar located on South Street. Lastly, he was employed by the City of Utica in the Department of Public Works as a supervisor in the Maintenance Department until his retirement. Always supportive of his passions in life, Raymond would never forego an opportunity to excel, yet always remained a gentleman of integrity. He was blessed with all the qualities of a good husband, a supportive father, and a wonderful friend. Above all, he was most proud of his family life and his loved ones. Among his many talents, Raymond was a gifted craftsman in the area of woodworking and remodeling and took pride in his finish work and attention to detail. An equally talented sportsman, he was involved in the inception of NASCAR and drove a modified racer #6A, competing with some of the best drivers in the field at many of the great New York tracks. He also loved the game of golf, and in his earlier years participated in softball, baseball, and bowling. He had many civic and cultural affiliations including memberships in the American Legion of Rockland, MA/Post #147, American Legion of Whitesboro/Post #1113, Sons of Italy Venezia Lodge #374 Rockland, MA, Sons of Italy Lodge #2054 of Utica, Moose Lodge of Marcy, and The 25 Club. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Raymond is survived by his wife, Dottie; his daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Rick Vice of Rochester; and his grandchildren, Zachery Vice and Kristen Vice. Survivors also include his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins with special mention of Fran Bates. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Violet and Joseph Bates, Mary and Anthony DiMateo, Frances and Joseph Damsky, Lillian and Ralph Vatalaro, Edith Nicotera, Pearl and Frank Peters, and Jennie and Humbert Glionna; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Josephine Nicotera, Peter and Mary Nicotera, Leo Nicotera, Jess and Julia Nicotera and Dominick Nicotera, and his nephew, Jimmy Roy Bates. The family is grateful to Dr. Jerry Sloan and his staff, especially Sandy, Beverly, Donna and Ashley, for their years of special care and friendship. Raymond’s celebration of life and services were conducted privately with military honors and interment was completed in Calvary Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Raymond V. Nicotera

April 13, 1921 - November 12, 2013