Mr. William P. "Bill" Toti

Mr. William P. “Bill” Toti, age 84, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2015 at the Rehabilitation Center of the Masonic Care Community of NY following a courageous battle with renal disease. Born in Utica on June 14, 1931, William was the son of the late Caesar “Jerry” and Anna (DeFazio) Toti. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. A proud veteran, he honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. Following his military service Bill furthered his education at Utica College. He was employed at General Electric Company in the Aerospace Electronic Systems Department (AESD) and retired as Manager of Plant Facilities. In 1952 Bill wed Bernadette “Bunny” Persutt, who predeceased him. On June 28, 1987, Bill married Joan “Phyllis” Veasaw. They had a loving union and were altogether blessed with 12 grandchildren. Bill was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and was always happiest when surrounded by his family. He cherished his times with the “Kuzins Club” (a yearly gathering of the grandchildren Bill and Phyl hosted at their home, which became a beloved tradition), weekends at Regi and Andy’s summer home at Big Moose Lake, and the months he spent at his and Phyl’s home in South Carolina. He loved to travel and he and Phyl took many trips together. He was an avid golfer and was in a bowling league for many years. He also truly enjoyed the more than 20 years that he served on the Home Owner’s Board of Directors of the Water’s Edge Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Bill will be remembered by many as a great dancer, performing with Bunny in many local musicals and minstrels. He was of the Catholic faith, but also enjoyed attending services with Phyl at the New Hartford First United Methodist Church. Bill is survived by his wife, Joan “Phyllis”; his daughters and son-in-law, Regina M. and Andrew J. Scarafile of Sauquoit, and Mary M. Toti of Moravia, NY; his son, Michael J. Toti and Leah Bailey of North Utica; and his grandchildren, Alissa M. Scarafile of Manhattan; Emily M. Toti of Moravia; and Joseph, Adam, and Katie Toti, all of New Hartford. When he wed Joan, he lovingly welcomed her children and their families, Laurie and Wes Simpson of Orange, CT and their children, Taylor Simpson of Ithaca, and Cameron Simpson of Orange, CT; Lynn and Timothy Carew of Shelton, CT and their children, Ryan and Christopher Carew; and Jim Veasaw of Chanhassen, MN and his children, Jarin, Kendall, and Kassidy Veasaw of Owego. He is also survived by his sister, Marguerite Pliska of Louisville, CO; his brother and sister-in-law, John and Grace Toti of Mechanicsburg, PA; and in-laws, Herbert and Eleanor Winters of Schroon Lake, NY, David and Barbara Winters of Modena, NY, and Leonard Calogero, of Utica. He also leaves many nieces and nephews, especially Paul F. Calogero, of Henderson, NV; great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Kenneth Pliska; and sister-in-law, Louise Regina Calogero. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend William’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 at the New Hartford First United Methodist Church. Military Honors will be conferred by the United States Air Force. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. William P. "Bill" Toti

June 14, 1931 - August 31, 2015