Mr. Richard J. "Rick" LaNeve, Sr.

CLINTON – Mr. Richard J. “Rick” LaNeve, Sr., age 69, passed away after a long, spirited health journey on Friday, March 25, 2022, in the comfort and dignity of his home with his devoted family and special friends by his side. Rick was born in Utica on June 11, 1952, to the late George S. Sr. and Anne A. (LaRocco) LaNeve. He attended St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Grammar School and was a graduate of Notre Dame High School/Class of 1970. Rick went on to pursue his higher education at Utica College of Syracuse University, where in 1974 he earned his BA in Business Administration. On July 13, 1974, shortly after his graduation from college, Rick married the love of his life: the former MaryBeth DeSarro. They were truly an inseparable team for whom family was everything. Those who knew them recognized how connected Rick’s and MaryBeth’s souls were. They were blessed with support from both the LaNeve and DeSarro families. This community of love proved to be an incredible network for the couple, strengthening their unity and making their marriage and family life stronger throughout the years. The couple was blessed to spend nearly 46 years together prior to MaryBeth’s passing on June 26, 2020. Rick was the best dad, always generous with his time and love for his children. He always made it a priority to be part of their lives and endeavors. In retrospect, his children remember him as a well-balanced man who was an excellent dad and role model – they will always hold him close to their hearts and he will be forever in their minds. In his younger years, Rick’s work ethic began as a Delivery Person at Fort Schuyler Drug Store. He also waited on tables alongside his brother George, in his own, unique style at Ventura’s Restaurant. Rick’s career shifted in a new direction when he became employed by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. He held many roles over his 25 years; such as Claims Approver, Supervisor and Staff Analyst. Rick also spent 6 months training in New York City to help launch the Group Life Unit in Utica. Rick’s experience with the insurance company filled him with gratitude, where he made many lifelong friends during his career. Many fun times were had by all, as they were not only colleagues, but friends as well. Rick was the first male on staff to have received a baby shower hosted by his female coworkers. Rick also enjoyed the many charity events run by their staff, including participating on the MetLife Team for the America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk, which also became a fun family affair. The Halloween costume contests at work were always an event that Rick looked forward to. He, along with his sister Jeanine, and cousin Marie, took great pride in winning almost every year with their homemade, unique costumes Rick was one of the nicest people, a gentle giant, and a great provider for his wife and children. He was always engaging in his children’s sporting events, and was known for being fair in critiquing their plays. His honesty was encouraging and would continue as his children got older. Rick had nicknames for all his family and friends, and he always had a quick comeback line. In fact, he was quite witty and delivered all his stories and jokes with impeccable timing. Rick could always be counted on to lighten the mood. He was also admired for his capacity to remain stoic in the face of his health adversity, which he always did with grace. A patient man, Rick would comply whenever MaryBeth saw fit to make changes to their home decor, and though manual labor was not really his forte, he got better as time went on. His athletic endeavors began early on with Little League Baseball, and continued with basketball at Notre Dame and CYO at Mt. Carmel, MUNY League Softball, the men’s bowling league at the Madison, golfing, and kayaking. Rick took on coaching roles for Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball at Mt. Carmel, Blessed Sacrament, and Notre Dame, times which he cherished. Rick also undertook a leadership role by establishing a Saturday morning program for inner city boys that incorporated an open gym for the church neighborhood and Cornhill youth. He always wanted the best for these programs, and always found a way to make sure things got done. Many players fondly remember him as a beloved and fair coach. Additionally, Rick made sure to constantly support his children’s sporting events - he was always the quiet guy behind the scenes, and was a consistent presence when it mattered most. Rick was a passionate man. As a sports fan, Rick was an avid Giants and Yankees fan. He was additionally very knowledgeable about politics, while also very opinionated and known for being staunch in those opinions. However, Rick tried to never hold on to a belief without first grappling with and searching for the truth of those views. Rick is also remembered for loving a good time – there was fun to be had in his heart and in his life. He loved gadgets, and frequently looked to upgrade his equipment to the latest technology. He especially enjoyed new cameras, which he put to good use by capturing so many precious memories – making the purchases worth it! In his early years, he was a licensed CB Radio buff and enjoyed listening to the scanner waves. When the sun was shining, Rick could be found outside, basking in the rays. Even his car choice reflected his love of the sun shining on his face, for he had a few convertibles over the years. Rick also found a true companion in his adopted rescue dog named Tiki, who was always by his side. Tiki was known as the “third child,” the one who “ruled the roost” and could do no wrong. Rick’s favorite food was sausage, with his go-to’s including Coca Cola and sugary snacks. He also found any chocolate acceptable. He voted Voss’ as #1 and considered opening day an annual must. As a young Catholic man at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, Rick served as an altar boy and later became a Eucharistic Minister. He also served as Financial Chairman for many of the annual festivals. In his retirement, he volunteered as an adult server for funeral masses. Rick is survived by his son, Richard “Rick” LaNeve, Jr., and his daughter and son-in-law, Margaret “Margie” and Michael Hammell (his Man Friday). Rick will live on in the hearts of his sisters and brothers-in-law, Angela and Thomas Chmielenski, Jeanine and Gary Surprenant. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Ann LaNeve Devendorf, George S. LaNeve, Jr., and Michael F. “Mike” LaNeve. Rick leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, godchildren, and cousins. He especially leaves his adored cousin, Marie Robilotto, who was like another sister to him. Rick will be fondly remembered by his in-laws, Glenn and Lynn Devendorf, Pat Debbold, and John F. and Katherine “Kathy” DeSarro. He was blessed with long-time friends, Tom and Roseanne Gerace, and his new found friends, Leah and Jim Patterson, who have been a true blessing. Rick was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Peter F. and RoseMarie (Barella) DeSarro. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Rick’s physicians: Dr. Kenneth Visalli, a compassionate man who tended to all of Rick’s health issues, as well as the other medical professionals at Slocum-Dickinson Medical Group; to Dr. Satish Krishnamurthy, an amazing neurosurgeon with a warm and encouraging bedside manner, as well as the medical personnel at Upstate Medical. The family would also like to thank the countless other professionals who tended to Rick’s needs with great compassion; to JoAnn Carbone and the owners, and staff of One Caring Place Plus, Inc., and to the nurses and staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., who cared for him during his final journey; and to Fr. Jim Cesta, Fr. Joe Salerno, and Fr. John Rose, for their prayers and blessings. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 1, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions may be made in Rick’s memory to St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish online at https://www.mountcarmelblessedsacrament.com/donate or the Wounded Warrior Project online at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rick’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. Those unable to attend may view the live stream of the Mass at https://www.youtube.com/c/stmaryofmountcarmelblessedsacrament.

Mr. Richard J. "Rick" LaNeve, Sr.

June 11, 1952 - March 25, 2022