Mr. Sebastian J. DiCesare

Mr. Sebastian J. “Buster” DiCesare, age 91, a lifelong resident of Utica, passed away on St. Joseph’s Day, Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. with his family by his side. Born in Utica on February 24, 1923, Sebastian was the son of the late Giuseppe “Joseph” and Antonia “Antoinette” (Salamida) DiCesare. Buster was a lifelong Utica resident, where he received his education. In 1940 Buster joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and was stationed in Boonville where he was in forestry and planted hundreds of fir trees. A proud veteran of World War II, he served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps stationed in the Central/Southwest Pacific theater from 1943-1945. During his tour of duty, he participated in the consolidation of the Northern Solomon Islands, the Bismarck-Archipelago Operation, the defense of PivaYoke, as well as the capture and occupation of Guam. On August 4, 1945, while on leave during the war, he married the former Mary Potenza with whom he shared 68 years. Buster and Mary have been very proud of their life together, along with the blessing of their children and their family. A freight handler for many years, Buster worked for the New York Central Railroad. In 1953, he embarked on a successful career journey as a master carpenter and cabinet maker. He was associated with J & R Zangrilli, Meyers & Laine, Five-in-One Construction, and Irving Bloom Association. This year, Buster achieved 50 years as a member of the Carpenters Union. An avid and devoted golfer, he frequented the courses at Twin Ponds, Valley View, and Hidden Valley, having made 3 holes-in-one. Buster was also proud of his military service and was committed to helping his fellow veterans. He was a member of the American Legion Post 1376, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and he was a supporter of hospitalized veterans. He was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus 189, Third and Fourth Degree where he was also past Faithful Navigator and Color Corps Commander. He and Mary were parishioners of the Sacred Heart Church for many years and are currently communicants of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. Buster is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughters and sons-in-law, Annette and Francis Paparella, Joanne and John Bonvicino, and Anne Marie DiCesare and Ed Briggs, all of Utica; and his son, Richard DiCesare and Cindy Kosor of North Carolina. Buster mourned the loss of his son, Anthony “Tony” DiCesare, who passed away on December 18, 2012. He will be remembered by his daughter-in-law, Mary DiCesare of Utica; his grandsons, Scott St. Onge, David St. Onge and Kelley Thorpe, and Sebastian K. DiCesare; his brother and cherished friend, Joseph DiCesare Jr. of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws Helen DiCesare, Connie DeCesare, John Potenza, Jody Potenza, Angie Fitzgerald and her husband Jim; and his friends. He was predeceased by his brothers, Pasquale “Pat” DiCesare, Peter DiCesare, and Carl DeCesare; his sister, Lorenza; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vito and Serafina Potenza; and his in-laws, Shirley DiCesare, Dominick and Ann Potenza, Abbate “Pat” Potenza, Palma “Polly” and Raymond Zangrilli, Rose and Joseph Fiore, Rocco and Catherine “Kate” Graziadei, Ida and Peter DeCarlo Sr., Stephen and Mary Potenza, Nancy Potenza, and Antoinette Pandolf and her husband Tony. The family wishes to acknowledge the staff of the PRC and Presbyterian Home for the love, care and compassion they gave to Buster while in their care. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Knights of Columbus will gather at 6:30 for a prayer service. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Buster’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Mark Kaminski with Military Honors conferred. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Sebastian J. DiCesare

February 24, 1923 - March 19, 2014