Mr. Thomas J. Giacovelli Kalies

UTICA – Mr. Thomas J. Giacovelli Kalies, age 71, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Abraham House in Rome, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Utica on November 17, 1952, Thomas was the son of the late Francis “Butch” Giacovelli and Sandra M. “Sandy” (Belgrano) Kalies. Thomas was a member of the first graduating class of John F. Kennedy High School. After high school, he answered the call to serve his country with the U.S. Army and was stationed in Panama. Following his army service, Thomas held a position in Kansas at Haliburton Oil Drilling Co. He later returned home to Utica and secured employment with the RWAW Local 195 Roofers Union, from which he retired after 36 years. Thomas “lived a thousand lives.” He was a risk taker and an avid outdoorsman who loved extreme camping, hunting, hiking, and fishing. These were integral parts of his lifestyle. In his earlier years, he could often be seen riding his Electra Glide Harley all over the country, making many great friends along the way. The idea he might ride again was a dream, but his brother Jeff rebuilding it so his grandchildren have a chance to ride it, sustained him. Later, he was a gardener and loved sharing recipes, taunting his sister Cindy to add one more ingredient, she had never tried before, to make a dish just right. He bragged about good food, but boy did he love sweets! He cultivated many long-lasting friendships with his “charming” personality – which also allowed him to get away with a lot! He was brutally honest and firm in his convictions. Regardless, those friends stuck with him, especially Joe Arabia, Tom Tarbox, Lou Ferrone, Bob Purdy, Aimee Parchura, Ben Bialek, Ron Humphreys, Dickie and Pat Marco, and Steve Russo; who walked with him through life, to the end. There were many others who called and texted keeping his spirits high and Tom wanted them all to know it mattered. Thomas is survived by his daughters and their loves, Jenelle M. and John Hammill, and Breanna D. Kalies and fiancé Max Darman; grandchildren, Alexander Hammill, and twins Delaney, and Madeline Hammill. His siblings and their loves, Jeffrey Kalies and Hannah Gage, Cynthia Kalies-Lazzaro and her husband Thomas, Gregory Giacovelli and Michael Barnum, Michael and Janet Giacovelli, Nicholas Albertine, Regina Westcott, Margaret Voultsios, Rebecka O’Donovan and her husband Kevin O’Donnell, Francine “Fran” and James Oliver, Joanne Giacovelli, and Veronica Giacovelli. And in no way last, his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, will miss Uncle Grump; his gruff voice and loving advice. The family wishes to thank to Dr. Richard Sullivan at the Rome VA, and Dr. Emmalee Kennedy and Susan Smith at the VA Hospital in Syracuse for their exceptional care and compassion. Gratitude is also extended to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., and the Abraham House of Rome. A Memorial Gathering will be held in Thomas’ honor on Saturday, December 30, 2023 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Thomas’ Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Thomas’ honor may be made to the Abraham House online at https://www.theabrahamhouse.org/ways-to-support/donate/; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

Mr. Thomas J. Giacovelli Kalies

November 17, 1952 - December 9, 2023