Rosario A. Sorce, Jr.

Mr. Rosario A. Sorce, Jr., age 40, formerly of Marcy, NY, and more recently of Poland, NY, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2006, at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Utica on May 2, 1965, Rosario was the son of Rosario Sr. and Geraldine (Maida) Sorce. In 1983 he graduated from Whitesboro High School. Considering themselves to be "best friends," he and his fiance, Karen Helmer, have shared a mutually loving and devoted relationship. For 8 years, Mr. Sorce delivered meat for Regional Meat Packing of Utica. He was a member of the West Canada Fish and Game Club and a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Rosario's life revolved around his family. In all his relationships with his loved ones, he demonstrated his sensitive attitudes, his strong and determined character, his quietly emotional and appealing nature, and his outgoing personality. As a man who enjoyed the outdoors, one of his favorite pastimes was fishing. He was also an avid NASCAR fan. Mr. Sorce is survived by his fiance, Karen Helmer; his 8-month-old son, Brandon Anthony Sorce; and his parents, Rosario, Sr. and Geraldine. His survivors also include a sister, Maryann Scott of N. Utica and her partner, David Fitzgerald; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Vincent and Julie Sorce of Chadwicks, and Joe and Shawn Sorce of Albany; his nieces and nephews, Chelsea, Vincent, Jessica, Nathaniel, and Noah; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and numerous special friends, especially acknowledging Jim Wheeler. He was predeceased by both his paternal grandparents and his maternal grandparents. The family extends its thanks to the nurses and staff of the Oncology Depts. of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center and of St. Luke's Healthcare Center. Visitation will be held today (Wednesday) from 4-8 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations to the family in order that they might establish a scholarship fund for Rosario's son, Brandon; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. Sorce's funeral will commence on Thursday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Rosario A. Sorce, Jr.

May 2, 1965 - January 15, 2006