Mr. Victor A. "Uncle Vic" Valerio

UTICA - Mr. Victor A. “Uncle Vic” Valerio, age 95, passed away peacefully yet unexpectedly on Friday, July 5, 2019. Born in Utica on December 14, 1923, Victor was the son of the late Vincent and Marion (Roscigo) Valerio. Raised and educated locally, he attended T.R. Proctor High School. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II. Many would remember Vic from working at the iconic Seneca Boot Shop for many years. He was colloquially called the “Mayor of Bleecker Street”. He never drove a car, preferring to walk or take a bus,… the reason to which he attributed his long life. Uncle Vic was well versed in the topics of nutrition and he rarely made a social gaffe or blunder. He was shy at first, but when he came to know you, he perked up the conversation as if he had known you for years. He was very dapper in his attire and was proud of his Italian heritage. But most importantly, he lived for his family and always wanted to be of help to them. Jazz was his preference in relaxing pursuits. He loved to listen to singer Nancy Kelly and the Big Band Era “king of swing” clarinetist Benny Goodman, but he always fell back upon the tunes of the “Rat Pack”, especially “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. He also loved Sunday dinners, holidays, and ‘angel hair’ pasta with marinara sauce. He practiced his Catholic faith at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Victor is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Frank Tucciarone; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his good friend and social companion Len Panzica whose kindness was so appreciated. He was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses, Dr. Nobel Anthony and Muriel Valerio, Jean and Pat “Red” Gualtieri, Yolanda and Dr. Dominick Nuccio, two brothers, Dominick in infancy, and John in his youth, and nephews, Ronald Gualtieri, and Dr. Robert Nuccio. His loved ones are grateful to the staff at the Presbyterian Home Assisted Living and the Lutheran Home Rehab for their kindness to Victor during his stay. The family will commemorate his life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Victor’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday afternoon at 12:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Victor A. "Uncle Vic" Valerio

December 14, 1923 - July 5, 2019