Felix J. "Phil" Colosimo

Mr. Felix J. "Phil" Colosimo, age 81, of Utica, passed away on Monday, April 7, 2008, at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on June 6, 1926, Felix was the son of the late Joseph and Catherine (Scalise) Colosimo. Raised and educated locally, he attended T. R. Proctor High School. A proud veteran of World War II, he served his country in the U. S. Army in the American, European, African, and Middle Eastern Theaters of Operation. On September 4, 1948 he married the former Mary Velletto who passed away on December 24, 1992. He truly loved and adored their 44 year marriage and he held Mary in his heart until his last day. Phil’s working career began at the Griffiss Air Force Base where he was a bus driver. He then gained employment as a foreman at Dodge Graphic Co., retiring in 1985 due to his health. As a loving family man, his daughters were the joy of his life and the blessing of grandchildren and great-grandchildren made his life complete and satisfying. His traditional ways were honored, respected, and instilled through his teachings. His greatest accomplishment was to be able to provide for his family and see his girls happy in their lives. In his earlier years, he enjoyed social gatherings where there was wine, laughter, dinner, and card playing. He always looked forward to “Tuesdays” when he and his family carried on the traditions of getting together to enjoy a meal. Among his hobbies, he enjoyed working in his vegetable garden, drying and preparing sausage in the oil, and making wine. A die-hard Yankees fan, he was also very involved in Little League baseball, where he began as a coach, eventually moving to the position of president of the Players Association and because of his knowledge and dedication, he ultimately served as commissioner. He was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish and a former member of the Holy Name Society. He also served as a church usher. Phil is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Catherine A. Inman of Utica, Laura Colosimo, and Deborah A. Alsheimer, both of Whitesboro, Felicia M. and David Salvatore of Yorkville, and his “special daughter”, Patti Lemon. Always close to his heart was the memory of his son, Joseph A. Colosimo who passed away in 1994, and his infant grandson, Joseph A. Colosimo, Jr. who passed away in 1972. Also surviving is his daughter-in-law, Cindy; his grandchildren, Herbert and Laura Inman, Scott and Jackie Inman; Felix J. and Jessica Colosimo, Jamie and Alyson Colosimo, Andrew and Krystal Colosimo; Sarah Alsheimer, and Steven Alsheimer of Mt. Pleasant, SC; and his special four-legged grandchild, “Maggie”; his great-grandchildren, Nicole and Anthony; Michael and Amanda; Alyssa and Alexa; Cabrini, and Arabella; and Mia. Survivors also include his sisters, Connie Emilian, and Grace Jackson, both of Utica; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; his father-in-law, Anthony Elacqua; sister-in-law, Joan Velletto of Frankfort; and special remembrance of his friend, Carmella Rowland. He was predeceased by his 5 sisters, 4 brothers, and their spouses; and his mother-in-law, Laura Elacqua. The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Christopher Max, Dr. Ira Tisch, and Dr. Stephen Sperling; the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, the nurses of the Critical Care Unit, with special mention of Peter and Sara, and Emergency Room nurse Karen Peters, for their gentle and comforting ways which made Felix and his family able to endure those difficult moments. Visitation will be held Thursday (today) from 4:00–8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Phil’s honor to the American Diabetes Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Phil's funeral service will commence on Friday afternoon at 12:30 from the funeral home and at 1:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Military Honors. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family. “Kablooey we’ll miss you plucky doodle”

Felix J. "Phil" Colosimo

June 6, 1926 - April 7, 2008