Carmen A. "Pop" Artessa

Mr. Carmen A. “Pop” Artessa, age 86, of Sauquoit, passed away in the comfort of his home on Wednesday, January 24, 2007, following a courageous battle. At the time of his passing his loving family was by his side. Born in Utica on August 10, 1920, Carmen was the son of the late Fortunato and Maria (Greco) Artessa. He was raised and educated locally, and was a veteran and aerial gunner in the U.S. Army Air Corps. As a recipient of the Purple Heart and 2 Bronze Stars, he served his country during the European Theater of Operations. He also received the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon and 2 Bronze Stars for Western Europe and the Air Offensive European Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. At one time he was wed to the former Joy C. Deuvall. At one time he served as the recording secretary of the Laborers’ Local Union #35 HOD carriers AFL-CIO, a position from which he retired. Over the years, Carmen was proud to be involved in various landmark construction sites such as the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute. A dependable person with strong convictions, he always shared his insight and advice when needed. He had a personality that would light up a room, and as a loving, benevolent, self-sacrificing man, he constantly provided to all his children and especially his grandchildren. His love for his grandchildren was endless, and he tended to their needs with great attention and devotion. He always remembered special occasions and went out of his way to offer beautiful and unique memories to his loved ones. He loved to cook and shared his home made meals with his family and relatives. He was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Carmen is survived by his children and their families, Thomas F. Artessa, Sr., Frederick T. Artessa, Sr. and Sheila Mastrovito, Gary M. and Christine M. Artessa, and Donna M. Artessa-Creedon and husband Bernie, Jr. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Thomas F. Artessa, Jr., Frederick T. Artessa, Jr., Karri M. Artessa, and Carleen V. Creedon; and his great-grandchild, Bianca Nicole. In addition, he leaves his sisters, Katherine “Kay” Poynter, and Betty Angerosa; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony Artessa, Frank “Hank” Artessa, Joseph and Mary Artessa, and Morris and Pat Artessa, all of Utica; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Carmen was favored with steadfast friends, Joe Graziano and his godson, Rocco Graziano. He was predeceased by his sisters, Rose Duggelby, and Angeline King; and his brother, Ottavio Artessa. Sincere thanks are extended to Carmen’s primary physician, Dr. Scott Brehaut for his care, compassion, and guidance, and to his attending nurses, Lynn, Debbie, and Gayle. Visitation will be held on Sunday (today) from 2-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Carmen’s funeral will commence on Monday morning at 8:00 from the funeral home and at 9:00 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery with military honors.

Carmen A. "Pop" Artessa

August 10, 1920 - January 24, 2007