Mr. Anthony J. "Tony" Cucinotta, Sr., Ret. UPD Obituary

N. UTICA – Anthony J. “Tony” Cucinotta, Sr., Ret. UPD, age 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 13, 2022. Tony was surrounded by all he loved most as he took his last breath. Born in Utica on January 24, 1932 to the late Demetrio and Mary (Pelli) Cucinotta, Tony attended St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Grammar School and graduated from T. R. Proctor High School/Class of 1950. During the Korean War, he served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1953. On the most romantic day of the year, February 14, 1953, Tony married the former Marie L. Vendetti. Their two souls were truly joined. Tony joined the Utica Police Department on January 1, 1958, embarking upon a remarkable career serving the community he loved. His hard work was soon recognized, and on January 13, 1965 he was appointed to Detective. Based on his outstanding performance as an investigator, Chief Benny Rotundo bestowed upon him the honorary title of Senior Investigator on October 26, 1976. After 35 years of faithful service to the City of Utica, he retired on February 17, 1993. One of the best ways Tony will be remembered is as a proud dad. He loved to watch his sons play sports and take them down to Yankee games, making beautiful memories never to be forgotten! But being called Poppy was his favorite title. He took his role of grandfather to heart and showered his treasured grandchildren with unconditional love. Being a dependable person was the foundation of his life story, never letting someone go without help if he could provide it. He put his relationships with his family and friends first, making sure to foster and nurture them. Tony was a member of the Police Benevolent Association. He had a green thumb and he could grow a vegetable garden that produced much bounty. Tony had a relationship with the Lord, and he served as an usher at his home parish of St. Mark’s Church in North Utica. Tony is survived by his devoted wife, Marie; and his sons and daughters-in-law, Anthony J. Jr. and Sandra Cucinotta, and Robert J. “Bob” and Wanda Cucinotta. He is also survived by his niece and her husband, Joellen and Michael Cuchiarale, whom he thought of as his own children. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Anthony J. Cucinotta; Michael and Joie Cuchiarale, Bianca, Olivia, and Nicholas Cuchiarale; Sullivan Smith, and Leah and Mike Rose; and his great-grandchildren, Kayden, Carson, and Emerson Rose. He is additionally survived by his brother Dan Cucinotta (and his late wife Sharon). He was preceded by his sister, RoseMarie and her husband Victor. He will also be greatly missed by his uncle, Frank Moracco; cousins, Madeline and Joe Briggs, Fred and Ann Marie Matrulli, Marilyn and Fred Demma; and longtime extended family, Francis and Bernadette Roy. He was also blessed with great neighbors and friends, Joan and Don Dorn, Mary Lourdes and Frank Chiffy, and Rosalie Fallove, who greatly enhanced his life. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph C. and Carmella (Moracco) Vendetti; and his in-laws, Madeline and Robert E. Calhoon. A special thanks is extended to Dr. Porus Dhabhar, longtime physician and friend, as well as his amazing staff who assisted and treated Tony with tremendous kindness. Visitation will be held on Monday evening, June 20, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Tony’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life on Tuesday morning, June 21, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St. Mark’s Church, 440 Keyes Rd. Memorial donations in Tony’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Anthony J. "Tony" Cucinotta, Sr., Ret. UPD

January 24, 1932 - June 13, 2022