Mr. Dominick C. "Dick" Yacco, Ret. UPD

SUMMERFIELD, FL/UTICA – Mr. Dominick C. "Dick" Yacco, Ret. UPD, age 82, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, after a courageous struggle. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his entire family. As his daughter-in-law, Carolyn, concluded a final prayer and said amen, he took his last breath. Born in Utica on October 26, 1941, Dominick was the son of the late Alphonse and Carmella (Bello) Yacco. He was raised locally and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1959. After graduating, he enlisted and proudly served active duty with the U.S. Air Force, stationed stateside during the Vietnam era. Upon his honorable discharge, he served two years as an Air Force Reservist, concluding in 1966; his position was that of an Archer Airman. He later re-enlisted with the Army Reservists at Elihu Root United States Army Reserve Center. He shared a great brotherhood with his fellow comrades throughout his time in service. At one time, Dick was married to the former Joanne Grasso, a union from which came the blessing of their two children, that was their bond. He later came to know an additional love and he wed the former Marianne DeCarlis in 1991. They had a wonderful companionship and enjoyed travelling to adventurous places which made for many fulfilling memories. In March of 1966, Dick was accepted and appointed to the Utica Police Department. He began as a patrolman and was eventually promoted to Detective, working in the Narcotics Division. After accomplishing 20 years of service protecting his community, he retired with pride. He then worked at the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station in Oswego where he taught drug and alcohol awareness. He expressed the desire to relocate to Florida and he made it happen. He thought he could retire but knew he wouldn't. He started working at The Villages and moved his way up to a full-time position; they respected and trusted him with multiple positions, and he worked well into the age of 77, and then truly retired. He had a great career and many accomplishments. He and his wife recently returned to Utica to be close to family, and to know that love and support. Then a “little man” was brought into the world, his great-grandson Jack Anthony Yacco, who he got to meet and hold - he hugged and kissed him with such affection. Dick was strong-willed, determined, and passionate. His way of doing business was that he wanted it done, and that would mean yesterday… He was happiest in the company of his wife, Marianne. He was never disappointed by his children or stepchildren, and he valued his relationships with all of them. The generations that follow will remember him as a man of integrity. He was a passionate golfer who took advantage of the links at The Villages and any opportunity at over 100 courses that he played in Florida. In his travels he also played in Scotland at the Old Course at St Andrews, which is considered the oldest golf course in the world. On his 70th birthday, he was gifted with driving a racecar several laps around the Daytona Raceway. Dick was a sportsman, favoring the New York Yankees, he idolized Mickey Mantle, and a slight second was the New York Giants. He watched golf perpetually, he honored the classic sportsmanship of Arnold Palmer, and was captivated by Tiger Woods. Dick lacked culinary skills, but Marianne picked up the pieces for him to prepare his favorites. Dining out was a special time and they enjoyed many different cuisines. Dick had his own relationship with the Lord. Sunday mass was of great importance to him, and it renewed him. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, love, and service. Dick is survived by his wife who loved him unconditionally, Marianne; and his son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Carolyn Yacco. He treasured the memory of his daughter, Deborah M. "Debbie" (Yacco) Bevivino, who preceded him on November 25, 2023, leaving behind his son-in-law, Jerry Bevivino. He is also survived by his stepdaughters and their spouses, Lisa and Michael Pavia, and Carrie and Steven Klepadlo; grandchildren, Vincent A. "Vinny" Bevivino, Steven and Kathleen Yacco, Robert Daniels, Jessica and Tim Holmes, Sarah Yacco and fiancé Zach Evans, Dominique R. Bevivino and James Luther, Jr., and Sophia Pavia; and great-grandson, Jack Anthony Yacco. Dick was preceded in death by his sister, Genevieve Balsamo. He leaves to cherish his memory numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He is additionally survived by his brother-in-law, Robert Balsamo; and was preceded by his brother-in-law, Peter DeCarlis who passed away in 2023. He was blessed to know the love and care of his late mother-in-law Augie’s companion, Claude Rahauiser. Dick came up the ranks when friends were friends and your word meant everything. He was additionally predeceased by his mother-in-law, Augustine “Augie” (Elacqua) DeCarlis. The family extends their gratitude to the Regional Cancer Center, including Dr. Alicia DeTraglia and her staff for their kindness. Thanks is also extended to the staffs of the Emergency Department, and the 5th and 8th floors at Wynn Hospital for their shared assuredness of trust and confidence in Dick’s final days. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Dominick’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee Street. Military honors will be conferred by the U.S. Air Force and there will be a presence of members of the Utica Police Department. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Dominick's honor may be made to the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center online at https://www.ucdevelopment.org/ or by mail to 726 Washington St., Utica, NY 13502; envelopes will also be available at the service.

Mr. Dominick C. "Dick" Yacco, Ret. UPD

October 26, 1941 - March 17, 2024