Mr Rosario A. Dapice Jr.

Mr. Rosario A. Dapice, Jr., age 82, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his loving family at his side. Born in Utica on February 24, 1932, Rosario was the son of the late Rosario and Maria Antonia (Sarno) Dapice. Raised and educated locally, he attended the Utica Boys’ Trade School. A proud veteran, Rosario honorably served his country in the United States Army, 351st Infantry from 1952-1960 stationed stateside and later in Italy where he guarded the Yugoslavian border. On October 30, 1954 in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, he married the former Artie Peters with whom he shared 60 years in a loving, nurturing, and adventurous relationship built upon the values of family. In his early years, Rosario learned the art of printing from his brothers. These skills led him to a position at Griffiss Air Force Base where he worked as a sheet metal mechanic retiring after a 36-year career. Endowed with an enduring work ethic, even after retirement he held various part-time positions. Rosario was a charming and animated conversationalist blessed with a happy spirit and a peppy personality. He held an intense pride in his family and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and his great-grandchild. At home, his family affectionately referred to him as a professional tinkerer and a Mr. Fix-It. He loved working around the house. In his spare time, he pursued his high-tech hobby as a C.B. radio operator able to communicate with people from all over the world. He was a member of the former Sons of Italy Lodge and the North Utica American Legion Post #229. One of Rosario’s most memorable accomplishments of his life was the honor and privilege of serving as an Altar Boy at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church during his youth. Rosario is survived by his wife, Artie; his daughters and sons-in-law, Rose and the late Robert Polera of VA, Linda and Michael Doyle of Binghamton, and Melissa and Greg Misterman of PA; his grandchildren, Robbie and Jen, Michael Paul, Rory, Amanda, Alan, and Phillip; and his great-grandson, Sebastian Michael. He will also be missed by his brother, Frank “Cheech” Dapice of Utica; and his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Gloria and Edward Montemurro, Rita D. and Felix J. “Phil” Talarico, Louise and Carl Tripepi, Josephine and Stanley Schmitter, and Carmelita and Edward Long; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Frances Dapice, Rocco J., Sr. and Rose Dapice, and Anthony and Ena Dapice; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry Lee and Pearl Rose Peters; and his in-laws, Maebelle and Peter Zito, Robert J. and Edith Peters, Annie and Harvey Weddle, and Myrtle Peters. The family wishes to thank the Utica Ambulance personnel and the Emergency Room staff at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their outstanding care and efforts during a difficult time. Visitation will be held Friday morning from 9-11 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or AMVETS.org in lieu of flowers; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Rosario’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 11:00 from the funeral home and at 12:00 noon at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno with Military Honors conferred. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr Rosario A. Dapice Jr.

February 24, 1932 - February 21, 2015