Mr. Wayne Allen Gentile Sr., Ret. UPD

NEW HARTFORD – Mr. Wayne Allen Gentile, Sr., Ret. UPD, age 78, was embraced in the arms of the Lord when he passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. He was aware of his struggles, said his goodbyes to his loved ones, and was ready to go home. There is a reassurance that he is now reunited with his daughter, Marissa. Born in Utica on October 27, 1945, Wayne was the son of the late Albert C. and Frances S. (DeNigro) Gentile. He attended T.R. Proctor High School where he excelled in baseball and was their ace pitcher. His dedication and talents led him to enlist and serve in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany for 3 years, where he was an excellent marksman. During his illness, he appreciated all the care the VA provided for him as one who had honorably served his country. On May 18, 1968, Wayne married the former Sylvia A. Skane. Faith, love, and strength lived in their marriage. They were a good match for one another and were there for each other, they had empathy and they lived it together. They had good times and upheld one another through the difficult trials. They shared 56 years together prior to his passing. In 1971, Wayne embarked on a notable career with the Utica Police Department as a Police Officer. He protected and served his community with honor for 28 years. He looked forward to and genuinely wanted to help people. He had a sense of loyalty and friendship with his fellow police officers; they had a comradery of a different time. He was an Investigator in the Arson Task Force when he retired in 1999. Additionally, he was a skilled firearms instructor. Wayne was a hard worker and provider, and always held a second job. Yet, he balanced his time to be with family. Sporting events in his children’s lives were a priority, and he even coached his son’s hockey games. He had a way of making his children feel safe and protected, a true sign of his love. Jordan especially remembers how his dad patiently taught him carpentry, and to be an honorable man. Wayne was a member of the Elks Lodge, various American Legion Posts, and the White-Otter Fish and Game Club. He was a two-time Vice President of the John E. Creedon Police Benevolent Association. He loved to golf on local links and enjoyed any opportunity to try a new course. He was competitive and introduced his sons, Wayne and Jordan, to the game. As family and friends gathered to play cards, once again, he showed his competitive side. He was an avid New York Yankees fan, as well as a hockey fan, rooting for the New York Islanders. Wayne loved cruising around in his classic red Corvette. He enjoyed spending time for many years with his little white dog, “Buddy”, his companion who never left his side, and who has since passed. He relished the time spent at his winter condo in Destin, FL, and summers spent at his camp at Otter Lake, where he enjoyed many years cruising on his pontoon boat perusing through the Fulton Chain Lakes in the Adirondacks. There was not a place where Wayne and his family did not take advantage of the beauty, the serenity, and the friendships. Wayne and Sylvia’s homes were hubs of warmth and hospitality, especially during family gatherings, holidays, and picnics, where Wayne and Sylvia entertained, the food was plentiful, and Wayne showed off his cooking skills. Wayne was of the Catholic faith, and his deep devotion sustained him through all his illnesses. Mass was important, and he instilled that in his children. His time of passing was blessed because he was going home to the Lord. Wayne was a member of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Wayne leaves behind his beloved wife, his best partner in life, Sylvia; and his children and their spouses, Wayne A., Jr. and Susan (Wagner) Gentile, Rochelle (Gentile) and Chad Hull, Sr., and Jordan and Chelsea (Hazeltine) Gentile. He treasured the memory of his daughter, Marissa A. "Rissy" (Gentile) Wendt, who passed away on May 30, 2018. His legacy will live on in his grandchildren, Mackenzie Monington, Xiomara Rivera, the late Sydney Monington who preceded him in 2021; Austin and Brooklyn (Berne) Gentile, Paige Gentile; Hope Russo, Hannah Russo, Chad Hull, Jr., Isabella Hull, Josh and Jessica (O’Brien) Hull, and Olivia Appler; cherished great-grandson, Levi Gentile, who was his precious pride and joy; and brother and sister-in-law, Anthony and Phyllis (Durso) Gentile. He fondly remembered his siblings who preceded him, 2 young sisters, Mary Lourdes "Kim" and her husband Frank J. Costello, and Carl Gentile. He leaves to cherish his memory many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and in-laws, Patricia (Magistro) Gentile, and Sharon (Skane) Engle (the late Richard Engle.) Wayne's life was enriched by many friends who were very dear to his heart, very close, and who supported him, especially Tim and Ardith Poccia, Howie and Jackie Dodge, and Silas, his caretaker from the Live Long at Home Agency, who was a bright light in Wayne’s life, and they were “buddies.” Wayne was additionally predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony and Thelma “GiGi” (Bird) Skane, he loved them, and saw the goodness in his mother-in-law, that he so much appreciated. Gratitude is extended to the medical ICU nurses and doctors at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse for their excellent care and for being so devoted to his needs. Special thanks to Dr. Charles Eldredge who cared for Wayne throughout all his illnesses for many years and was a huge part of Wayne and Sylvia's life. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Wayne's Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. Military Honors will be conferred by the U.S. Army and there will be a Utica Police escort to honor Wayne’s service to the department. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Wayne Allen Gentile Sr., Ret. UPD

October 27, 1945 - March 20, 2024