Mr. Thomas J. Morreale Sr.

Mr. Thomas J. Morreale, Sr., age 82, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 14, 2011 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the support and concern of his family. Born in Utica on August 14, 1929, Thomas was the son of the late James and Antoinette (Castronovo) Morreale. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School Class of 1948. A veteran of the United States Army, he honorably served his country in the 43rd Infantry Division, 118th Medical Battalion stationed in Germany from 1951-1953. On September 7, 1953 he married the former Gloria R. Cittadino with whom he shared 56 years prior to her passing on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2009; she was the love of his life and he shared his dreams with her. He often referred to her as his “pumpkin”, and he honored her and missed her to the very moment of his passing. A meat cutter by trade, Tom received his early training under “Uncle Salvie” at Mazza’s Meat Market located on the corner of Mohawk and Jay Streets. He then accepted a position at Grand Union where he worked for 31 years aspiring to Meat Manager for a majority of his tenure with the company, retiring in 1991. Tom was blessed with a hard work ethic and a loyal, honest, and compassionate heart. He was truly a good man, and he and his wife were beloved parents with family life as their greatest priority. He had enormous charm, a sense of humor, the ability to deliver great one-liners, and an imaginative talent for storytelling. Tom made the world a better, happier place. He was a craftsman when it came to woodworking, and his creations included memorable grandfather clocks, wishing wells, and holiday decorations. His artistic side was brought to light in his beautiful oil and water color paintings. He was a member of the Sons of Italy Lodge, the Saints Cosmo and Damiano Society on Kossuth Avenue, a proud member of the American Legion, and a communicant of St. Louis Gonzaga Church. Thomas is survived by his sons, Vincent T. “Captain Trip’s” Morreale, and Thomas J. Morreale, Jr. and Jill Fonner, all of Utica. His many nieces, nephews, especially George Casaletta who was always available to help his uncle, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Carmella “Mella” Cittadino, and Madelyn Cittadino survive him. He was also blessed with many wonderful friendships during his life, always remembering his ‘Grand Union’ family who he loved, and special friend Kay Romeo. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Dave Guido; his twin brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Beverly Morreale; and his in-laws, Mary and Alphonso “Al” Fragola, Caroline and Rufus Casaletta, Jennie Cittadino, Dominick “Duber” Cittadino, and Joseph and Rose Cittadino. The family is grateful to Dr. Ashok Patel, Dr. Sushma Kaul, Nurse Practitioner Maureen Zumpano, and Mary Lou at the Veterans Administration Clinic for their professional support; and Chorbishop John D. Faris for his spiritual guidance. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Prayer of Incense will be offered on Thursday evening at 6:30 at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Thomas’ funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 9:30 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed with Military Honors will be celebrated by Chorbishop John D. Faris, Pastor. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Thomas J. Morreale Sr.

August 14, 1929 - November 14, 2011