Mr. Robert A. "Bobby T" Taurisano

UTICA – Mr. Robert A. “Bobby T” Taurisano, age 73, passed away in tandem after his daughter, Teri preceded him hours before on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Born in Utica on February 11, 1951, Bobby was the son of the late Michael A. “Mike,” Sr. and Rose (LaCanna) Taurisano. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1968, a bit sooner than his fellow classmates. It was during this time that he exceeded in the sports of basketball, playing the position of forward, but he was particularly blessed at the game of football, where he played both defensive and offensive ends. Bobby had an unknown mission and purpose for enrolling in community college in California. The underlying reason proved to be that he met and married the former Jeri Lee Leisenring in The Little White Chapel in Las Vegas. Their families celebrated with them when they returned. During their 17-year union, they were blessed with four children, sharing common interests and adventures. She has since passed away on December 28, 2017. Bobby began his professional career working at Remington Arms. He was an entrepreneur at heart, and operated BoJer’s on the corners of Oscar and Bleecker St. Then he established Bobby T’s notably on James St., and lastly Spilka’s in the west side of Utica. He also was mechanically inclined and learned so much from his father as he obsessed and assisted with repairing automobiles at Mike’s Auto Service on the corner of Mohawk and Elizabeth Sts. He then moved on to own and operate BT Automotive on Court and Stark Sts. A jack of many trades, Bobby’s talents served many for their repair needs. He joined in a special union with Cathy A. Schilingo, after many years of being a couple. That relationship brought them two additional beautiful children, who enhanced their lives. Each of his children inherited his integrity and great sense of loyalty to each other. Bobby had many of the famous Taurisano family traits like humor, loyalty, hard-work ethic, humility, patience, and generosity. He was also an intellectual and could hold wonderful conversations. He had a compassionate heart, and was strong-willed and determined. Later in life, it was common knowledge that his grandchildren stole his heart. He was steadfast in his love and affection for them. An outdoorsman, he liked walking through the woods and often said it was the place he did his best thinking. He became a skilled hunter – a talent of which he was very proud – catching many a deer and rabbit, which provided “unique” food for his family. He avoided the conversation with his children as to what the meat was and referred to it as “beef stew!” Now the hunt became more challenging, as the Taurisano family began to compete for the size or best shot, but in reality it was a friendly competitive family endeavor. Bobby was a gambling man, and the adrenalines flowed. As you know, sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose, but he was known to yell at the TV for the last moments of an event. He knew the strategy of it all, there is an art in the chances he took. Bobby loved to sing and often enjoyed the oldies station on the radio. He also earned a reputation as a picky eater. He liked sardines, seafood, and sauce was the number one pick four nights in a row, and he would never turn away from a Kalamata olive, long hot peppers with Italian bread and provolone cheese... what’s better than that? Bobby enjoyed camping and brought his family to understand the beauty of the outdoors. He often hosted gatherings in his backyard, serving his special “hamburgers,” fried bologna and peppers, and then the stories and memories began. Bobby had a knack for telling comical and outlandish stories! All in all, Bobby was a great dad, and proud Papa, and a legend of a man. He believed in something bigger than himself, and prayed to his mom often. Bobby is survived by his children, Emily O’Neil, treasuring the memory of his son, James A. “Jimmy” Taurisano, who passed away in 2018, Rosie Taurisano, Melissa Taurisano, Deanna Taurisano and her wife Curry, Stephanie Taurisano and her fiancé Konnor Karram. The love of a family member can truly break one’s heart, it was on the very same day of his passing, that he lost his daughter Teri Lynn Taurisano. He also held the memory of his son-in-law, Anthony M. “Tony” Vivenzo (2022). He leaves his legacy to his grandchildren, Alyssa, always cherishing his grandson, Justin, who passed away in 2017, Anthony, Salvatore, Hannah, Nito, Vanessa, Elicya, Michael, Caleb, Jocelyn, Sofia, and Anthony, Jr.; his great-grandchildren, Nova, and Atlas Michael; his sisters, Anne Marie and Arthur Swinegar, and Donna and Cosmo Pellegrino. He fondly remembered his brother, Michael A. Taurisano, Jr., who preceded him on December 12, 2005. He was his best friend in the whole wide world. He will further be remembered by his nieces; nephews; great-nieces; great-nephews; and cousins, Michael P. (Gail) Taurisano, Terry (Barbara) Taurisano, Philip (Kathleen) Taurisano, and the memory of his cousin, “Al T.” Taurisano, and his cousin Philip’s late wife, Denise, Michael Taurisano, and his late wife Angela, and Joseph, and Johnny Booth; additional cousins, members of the Vitagliano, LaBarbara, and Calidonna families, aunts and uncles, Mimi, Al, Phil, Theresa, and Eileen; his best buds never to be forgotten, Marty Broccoli, Bill Lanuzza, Ralph Lupia, Joe Valariano, Frank DeFazio, and Paul Mancuso, and the Nicoletta brothers, long remembering his late friend, Louie Centolella. He was further predeceased by his grandparents, Michael and Anna Marie (Langone) Taurisano, and Dominick and Angeline (DeLucca) LaCanna. The family wishes to specially thank Sandra Chrystie, who was an amazing assistant during the most difficult moments of Bobby’s passing. Bobby’s looked upon Sandra as an additional daughter. Visitation for both Robert and his daughter, Teri, will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. Robert’s and Teri’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of their Lives will commence at 3:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Bobby’s honor may be made to the family enabling them to perpetuate the well-being of his late daughter’s children; envelopes will also be made available at the service.

Mr. Robert A. "Bobby T" Taurisano

February 11, 1951 - January 17, 2024