Mr. Richard J. "Dick" Graniero

NEW HARTFORD - Mr. Richard J. “Dick” Graniero, age 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 16, 2017 amid the love of his family and the amenity of the Abraham House. Born in Utica on February 3, 1927, Richard was the son of the late Salvatore and Florence (Skora) Graniero. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1945. A combat veteran of the United States Navy, he honorably served his country with valor from 1945-1946 during World War II. He subsequently attended the University of Miami and Utica College of Syracuse University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. On May 16, 1953 Dick married Carmelita “Carm” DeRosa with whom he shared nearly 60 years. He was blessed with a wife who cared for him and nurtured their family. They were a couple with a vision for their future that came to fruition through faith, teamwork, and sacrifice. His beloved Carm passed away on November 22, 2012. He missed her until his last day, and now they are together for eternity. Dick was a man of diverse talents and many would remember him as a partner with Tom DeSimone proudly operating Alfredo’s Ristorante. Dick dealt with the business aspect of the venture. He had a wonderful reputation in his professional and private life. He created the atmosphere of a family business including the camaraderie and cooperation that defined it. His work ethic was remarkable and he was beloved by his co-workers and employees who affectionately called him “Uncle Dick” until this very day. But Dick’s occupational passion and preference was wood working, a craft he carried out in fabricating and building, even his summer home at White Lake. He knew how to construct correctly. He gave attention to every detail and there were no short cuts. He “Built for the Ages”. If Dick had traveled the road of construction as a career, he would have been one of the best! Dick was a man of few words, but when he gave his children advice, they were words of love, and he showed his affection by his actions. They saw him as a stoic, never compromising his integrity. He was the rock. He had solid expectations of his children and they worked hard to gain his approval. He provided structure for them and they learned so many life lessons from him. His soul had a soft side that endeared him to so many people, and God’s creatures as well. He cared about conservation, the outdoors, and protecting small animals. He fed the hummingbirds and the family canines. He had compassion that gave him a conscience, and a lighter side that gave him pleasure. His love extended to his children’s spouses and as a grandpa, he gained a new perspective of his emotions. When he held those babies, he was so proud. He knew each grandchild and was always amused and lighthearted when he was interacting with them. He attended church weekly and was renewed by the words of the Gospel. Dick was generous of heart and he loved giving gifts. He knew good food and it was all about the food, the cornerstone of his life. Italian cuisine was a time-honored tradition, not only in his family but that of his beloved DeRosa relatives. They were all excellent cooks and he was spoiled when it came to being coddled and cared for. He was old school and could remember all the things he shared with his family and his community… in the spirit of his Greatest Generation. In his earlier years, Richard became a licensed pilot and owned several planes, frequently flying out of Frankfort Airport. He also championed the sport of curling. He was best friends with the late Tony Angerosa whose specialty was making neon signs, an art that Dick appreciated and occasionally tinkered in. He also had an eye for classic automobiles and had a knack for knowing the workings of these fine vehicles. In the summer he enjoyed the waters of White Lake entertaining his family with a boat ride or the challenge of water skiing. His retirement years were spent at Kayuta Lake where he and Carm lived for years in the peace and solitude of the North Country in their log cabin retreat, mimicking a page out of Country Living Magazine both inside and out. Richard is survived by his children and their spouses, Janice R. and Richard A. Santillo, Dr. Richard A. and Jenny (Stevens) Graniero, Gina Graniero, and Christopher P. and Margaret A. (Geraci) Graniero; and his grandchildren, Sarah Ann Santillo, Richard Santillo II; Emily Graniero, Matthew Graniero; Cristiana Graniero, and Angelyna Graniero. He also leaves his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, including Dolores Maginelli; and in-laws, Leona “Lee” Graniero, Regina Aliasso, and Walter Lorenz. Dick shared a close companionship with Harry and Roz Fisher and a bond of friendship with his neighbors at the Wedgewood Apartments. He was preceded by a longtime friend, Al Bruni. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael S. Graniero; and his in-laws, Vida Ann Lorenz, John B. Aliasso, and Fred Grimaldi. The family is grateful to Richard’s physician Dr. Lwin Win for his compassionate care; Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Case Worker, Becky; the staff of the Regional Cancer Center, the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care, and the unique caregivers of the Abraham House for their hospitality and empathetic care. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Richard’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta with Military Honors conferred by the United States Navy. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to the Abraham House online at www.theabrahamhouse.org or Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at http://www.hospicecareinc.org/donate/donate-online/ in memory of their noble mission of providing comfort and dignity during one’s final journey; envelopes will be available at the service.

Mr. Richard J. "Dick" Graniero

February 3, 1927 - October 16, 2017