Mr. James R. "Jim" Cannistra, Sr.

UTICA – Mr. James R. “Jim” Cannistra, Sr., age 91, passed away with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Born in Utica on May 11, 1934, James was the son of the late Frank J. and Mary (Preno) Cannistra. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, Class of 1952. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Jim joined the service after high school. Jim later furthered his studies at MVCC, where he received his associate degree. He excelled as an athlete and was proud to have been a part of a Proctor State championship baseball team. Jim married the former Shirley J. Arcuri on April 28, 1956. The couple shared over 65 years together prior to Shirley’s passing on July 29, 2021. Jim was employed with UNIVAC for more than 15 years. Concurrently, he worked as a cameraman at Vernon Downs. He then held a position as Production Manager at PAR Technology, from which he retired. One who never remained idle, Jim kept himself busy during his retirement years working at PJ Green, Inc. Jim loved spending time visiting family and friends, especially traveling with them to Myrtle and Bethany Beaches, Cortland, NY and Scranton, PA, Italy and China. He was a warm-hearted man who always greeted everyone he came across with a “hello.” He enjoyed sports, especially the New York Yankees. He loved attending his Proctor reunions with his wife to reconnect with classmates. Jim and Shirley also enjoyed attending events at the Sons of Italy Lodge #2054, and other Italian-American festivals in Utica. Jim is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, James “Jim” and Veena Cannistra, David Cannistra, Daniel (Dan) and Julie Cannistra, and the memory of his son, Matthew J. Cannistra, who he and Shirley took care of for over 18 years after he became ill and until his passing on October 28, 2005. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sarah and her husband Brandon, Sharon and her husband Joaquin, Daniel and Mary, Molly and her husband Brian, Ethan, Jake, Zachary, Michael, Leila, Toby and Paige; two great-grandchildren, Vincenzo, and Danielle; former daughters-in-law, Mary Kate Bland, Jayne Gilbert, and Justine Coffey; brother and sister-in-law, Patrick and Ronnie Cannistra; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; sister-in-law, JoAnn (Arcuri) Wald (the late George Wald, Sr).; and his Tuesday breakfast buddies, who gathered at Debbie’s Cafe to enjoy camaraderie and good conversation. Jim was additionally predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dominick “Babe” and Elvira “Mollie” (Tutino) Arcuri; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joseph J. Sr. and Jeanne Arcuri. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Jim's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Military Honors conferred by the U.S. Army. Internment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. James R. "Jim" Cannistra, Sr.

May 11, 1934 - February 3, 2026