Vito A. "Toots" Colangelo

Mr. Vito A. "Toots" Colangelo, age 93, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Health Care Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on February 3, 1915, Vito was the son of the late Dominick and Beatrice (Delia) Colangelo. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. He was a member of the National Guard for over 19 years serving as Master Sergeant Head of the Motor Pool. On October 5, 1940 Vito married the former Mary Florenze who passed away on May 27, 1993. Their family was the central focus of their married life and a first priority that only strengthened their 52-year union. As a young man, Toots was a mechanic by trade. He later worked at International Heater, the position from which he retired after 30 years of service. An independent man, his mental faculties were sharp and his powers of observation were keen; it would be difficult to pass anything by him without his notice. He looked forward to holiday gatherings with his loved ones following old world traditions and values. In his younger days, Toots was an avid hunter and fisherman, and with his brothers, he enjoyed mushrooming. He also treasured the time spent cultivating his vegetable garden with his daughter, MaryAnn. He valued his daily get-togethers with his friends at the North Utica Senior Center where he would have lunch and later return home to relax on the couch with his canine companion, “Buddy”. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 182, and he was a devout and faithful parishioner of St. Basil’s Melkite Church. Vito is survived by his son, Dominick A. Colangelo of Utica with whom Vito resided in his later years; his daughters and sons-in-laws, Carmelita “Carm” and Donald R. Whiting of Deerfield, and MaryAnn and Gary R. Buckpitt of Plattsburgh; his beloved grandchildren, who affectionately called him ‘Pop’, Donnie Whiting of Deerfield, Christopher and Karen Whiting of CA, Dickie Colangelo, Jr., and his girlfriend Jerri of Utica, Adam and Jill Buckpitt of Plattsburgh, and Audra and Chris Wood of VT; and his 5 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include his brothers, Salvatore F. Colangelo of Floyd, and Dominick Colangelo, Jr. of Utica; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and in-laws, Lillian “Bunny” Colangelo and Angela Florenze. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Josephine and Anthony Meola; his brother and sister-in-law, Frank A. “Hank” and Mary Colangelo; his nephew, Francis A. Colangelo; and his in-laws, Fred Florenze, Rose Caporusso, Josephine and Michael Marrone, Marion T. Colangelo, Anthony and Louise Scalise, and Catherine Paolozzi. The family is grateful to Bart and Frannie Scalise for all their support and help; and the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, Allen Calder wing East for the attentiveness, compassion, and care they offered to Vito and his family. A thank-you is extended to Fr. Steve for his presence at a time of need, Rev. Monsignor Julien Elaine for his years of guidance, and Deacon Bob for his concern. Visitation will be held Tuesday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Vito’s Funeral Liturgy which will be offered on Wednesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St Basil’s Melkite Church. Entombment will take place in the Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Vito A. "Toots" Colangelo

February 3, 1915 - May 3, 2008