Samuel P. "Sam" Ottavio

Mr. Samuel P. “Sam” Ottavio, of Utica, age 98 and proud of his years and his life, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. During his time of need, his family was lovingly attentive to his care. Born in Utica on April 9, 1908, Sam was the son of the late Peter and Vincenza (Sorce) Ottavio. He also knew the love and guidance of his second mother, Cologita (Vaccaro) Ottavio. He was raised and educated locally. A veteran of the military and proud of having served his country, he attained the rank of Captain during his stateside tenure with the U.S. Army. On December 2, 1948 he was joined in marriage with the former Helen L. Daniele with whom he celebrated a union of 50 years prior to her passing on February 2, 1999. Throughout their life together, Sam and Helen established and maintained a union filled with their mutual love and devotion. Their relationship was a good example and an inspiration for their children. Mr. Ottavio was a self-made and highly experienced businessman whose excellent reputation earned him the respect of his clients and of his associates. He began his career with the Kalamazoo Appliance and Heating Co. As a man who was always enterprising, resourceful, and inventive in his business practices and dealings, he quickly rose through the ranks of the company. He then founded Ottavio Heating and Air Conditioning in 1958. For many years he maintained a successful career in the field, serving residential and commercial accounts with great commitment. In 1980 he became a consultant for the City of Utica, working for the Bureau of Housing and once again demonstrating his creative and thorough methods as he worked on local projects. Since retiring, he has taken up the craft of woodworking: his dedication led to the making of various specialized furniture pieces, including the construction of a number of grandfather clocks, projects that have made use of his sense of precision and his careful meticulousness. Sam was a man who possessed great strength of character, will, spirit, and physical vigor. Known as a man of his word, his reputation was a reflection of his inherent honesty, integrity, and loyalty. Always the optimist and ever humble of heart, he was accepting, understanding, and respectful. Among the many concerns and aspects of his life, Sam’s greatest blessing was his family: he held sacred his love for his wife, and he considered his children to be the reasons for his greatest joy. He was always deeply proud and supportive of their various achievements and efforts. Sam had many other interests: he was an avid reader and a music lover. His favorite sounds were those of the big bands and classical works. He also enjoyed gardening. Each year he would strategically plan and plant so that he would have blooms and decorative foliage for every season; he especially loved roses. During his professional life, Sam was a valued member of the National Home Builders Assn. He also belonged to the Fort Schuyler Post of the VFW, the Comity Club, and the Briscoliers. His home parish was St. Mary of Mt. Carmel. Mr. Ottavio is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, M. Jane and Wesley Jurkowski of Grand Island NY; and two sons and daughters-in-law, Peter D. and Gloria Ottavio of Thomaston CT, and Charles S. and Patricia Ottavio of Fairfax VA. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Daniel and Kate Ottavio; and Lindsey, Sam, and Charlie Ottavio. In addition, his survivors include his sister, Josephine “Peppy” Frank and her children; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Sam also leaves many good friends, including Roc Clemente who has been a constant source of support, Bob Dellecese with whom he has shared a longtime bond, and Dr. Ralph and Althea Eannace, his cousins, who were also his dear friends and travel companions. He was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses, Charles and Catherine Ottavio, James Ottavio, Theresa Ottavio, Frances and Joseph Coco, and Vincent and Althea Ottavio; and his in-laws, Andrew Frank, Rose and Anthony Brindisi, Margaret and John Santas, Mary and Albert Brendes, Carolyn and Samuel Marthage, Angela Daniele, Jane and Anthony Giruzzi, Vincent and Anna Daniele, and Anthony R. “Prof” Daniele. The family extends its sincere gratitude to the dedicated caregivers of the Masonic Care Community of NY for attending Sam in a compassionate and respectful manner, thus allowing him to retain his dignity, his independence, and a quality of life that was both comfortable and comforting to him. Thanks also to Dr. Culver for his personal friendship and trustworthiness, and to Sam’s neighbor, Tom Pirro, for his true concern. Visitation will be held today (Thursday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Sam’s honor to the Masonic Care Community of NY; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. Ottavio’s funeral will commence on Friday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Military Honors. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Samuel P. "Sam" Ottavio

April 9, 1908 - April 18, 2006