Alfred M. "Al T" Taurisano

Mr. Alfred M. “Al T” Taurisano, age 76, passed away on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of his family by his side, after a courageous battle with leukemia. Born in Utica on May 30, 1936, Alfred was the son of the late Alfred R. and Philomena C. (Daniels) Taurisano. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. He continued his studies at Seton Hall University where he was an academic scholar as well as an exceptional baseball athlete whose pitching prowess earned him a spot on the team. A proud veteran, he honorably served his country in the United States Army and also pitched for the Fort Bragg 3rd Army Division team. Al retired from his career at the U.S. Postal Service in 1990 after more than 30 years of service as a letter carrier. Amazingly, over that time span he missed only one day of work. Subsequently, he utilized the skills instilled in him by his mother in the art of sewing; his tackle twill artistry was well known nation wide and many wore his jerseys with pride. He established a very successful business creating uniforms with unique and innovative designs for many local professional teams, all of which evolved from his inspiration and desire to make sports teams look their best. “Al T” loved sports. He was involved in local athletics for nearly 60 years. He pitched for 4 years at Proctor High School and only lost one game during those years. Even though his collegiate career did not pan out, ‘Al T’s” Municipal League (MUNY) career soared. He was a standout on such teams as Skiba Post, Raspante’s Bakery, and Roundhouse Garage. But after suffering an arm injury, he switched gears and decided to give slow pitch softball a try. All in all, he enjoyed a nearly 50-year affiliation with the MUNY League organization as a player, manager, and team sponsor. “Al T’s” teams won over 1,500 games and over 100 Slow-Pitch Softball Tournaments. He was proud to have been the first local athlete inducted into the New York State Softball Hall of Fame. Al was always a huge supporter of the NY Yankees, NY Giants and Syracuse basketball teams. Although he had a tough exterior, Al had a heart of gold and was the kindest, most gentle man and was there for everyone. He was a man of great humility, and was very charitable, especially to children. He would offer monetary donations and secretly sent personalized sportswear to ailing adults and children around the country. On many occasions, he went out of his way to offer the gifts of his creation to people in need. And he loved animals –especially dogs. If he knew of an animal in need of medical assistance, he would lovingly provide it anonymously. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Al was blessed with a peaceful passing and is in the process of picking players for his softball team on a wing and a prayer in heaven. Rest in peace, “Al T”. Al is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael P. and Gayle E. Taurisano, Terry D. and Barbara A. Taurisano, and Philip P. and Kathleen “Kitty” Holt Taurisano, all of New Hartford; many nieces and nephews, including Laine and Sam Berardino, Tami and Michael Pfisterer, Michael V. Taurisano, Kristin and Michael Boutin, Dayle and Thomas Turczyn, David and Lisa Taurisano, Daniel and Lisa Taurisano, Dana and Danny Akers, Courtney and Michael Sprague, Philip A. and Kimberly Taurisano, Robert and Kaylin Sanderl, and Kelly and Matthew Grover; 19 great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins. Also left behind are his many special friends; and his loving canine companions, Coco, Cupcake, and Buttons who he loved like children; and his feline “Kitty”. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Denise A. Taurisano, who he adored and lovingly supported throughout her illness. The family extends sincere appreciation to Al’s physicians, Dr. Fayez Chaffe, Dr. Leo Sullivan, Dr. Naji El-Koury, Dr. Alicia DeTraglia, and Dr. Robert Pavelock; and the staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially Unit 3B, for their loving care and concern. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will remain until all visitors have been seen. Al’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered and Military Honors conferred. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. There will never be another “Al T”.

Alfred M. "Al T" Taurisano

May 30, 1936 - March 31, 2013