Vincent J. "Jim" LoRusso, Sr,

Mr. Vincent J. “Jim” LoRusso, Sr., age 83, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2007, at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on July 23, 1923, Jim was the son of the late Giambattista and Anna (DiFronzo) LoRusso of Capurso, Province of Bari, Italy. He was raised and educated locally and was a graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. A proud veteran, he served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. On August 26, 1978 he married the former Kathleen “Katie” Falvo, the Executive Director of the East Side Senior Center for over 20 years. She passed away on February 4, 1980. Jim’s career as a technician with General Electric Co. at the Bleecker St. Radio/Receiver Plant spanned over 30 years, until his retirement on December 8, 1983. He concurrently was involved in his family enterprise, the Utica Fireworks Manufacturing Co., which derived from 7 generations in Italy, the site of the manufacturing process, and a talent of which Jim was always so proud. He retired from this occupation in 1970. A blessing came when he met and shared the past 25 years with Rose Coniglio. She was his best friend, confidante, and caregiver. A social man, Jim was proud of his Italian heritage and traditions, and he appreciated life’s little blessings. He was a simplistic man with a generous heart. His civic commitments were very important to him, and he was a member of many fraternal, social, and religious organizations including the American Legion Post #229, where he served as Chaplain, the Knights of Columbus/4th Degree Color Guard, the Sons of Italy/Utica Lodge #2054, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Sts. Cosmo and Damiano Society, and the St. Rosalia Society. As a faithful parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church, he was active with parish bazaars and religious celebrations, and he served as Lector and Eucharistic Minister. For leisure entertainment, Jim enjoyed watching World War II movies on the Turner Classic Movies Channel. He loved a good time – especially on the dance floor – and always appreciated dining out, especially at Bella Cucina where he savored the tasteful cuisine. He prized his automobiles and kept them impeccably clean. Jim is survived by his sons and a daughter-in-law, John David LoRusso of Frankfort, Vincent Joseph and Bonnie LoRusso of Clayville, NY, and Anthony LoRusso and Linda Timian of Waterville; his grandchildren, Vincent Michael LoRusso, and Christopher Joseph LoRusso. Also surviving is his dear companion, Rose Coniglio; his nieces, nephews, especially acknowledging Dan and Marie Corleto, and Dolores Neville; his great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard LoRusso; and his sisters and brother-in-law, Antoinette and Rocco Carcone, and Rosetta Barkett. The family extends appreciation to Dr. Timothy LaFont for his professional concern for many years, and to “Leslie P.” and Christy of the West Wing/3rd Floor, and Diane from the Intensive Care Unit at the Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their outstanding compassion and dedication. Thanks also to Fr. Anthony LaFache for his spiritual support. Visitation will be held on Tuesday (today) from 4:00 – 7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Jim’s name to the American Legion Post # 229; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The Knights of Columbus will assemble at the funeral home at 5:00 p.m. for ritualistic services and the American Legion Post # 229 will assemble at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. for ritualistic services. Jim’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday afternoon at 12:00 from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery Chapel with full Military Honors.

Vincent J. "Jim" LoRusso, Sr,

July 23, 1923 - March 24, 2007