Karen A. (Carcone) Rothfuss

UTICA - Karen A. (Carcone) Rothfuss, age 75, passed away on March 30, 2024, with the care of her sisters at her side. Born in Utica on August 3, 1948, Karen was the daughter of the late Benedict “Ben” and Lucretia “Lu” (LoConte) Carcone. She graduated from T.R. Proctor High School, and started her career at Utica Mutual, where she met Walt Rothfuss. Karen and Walt shared a union at one time. She later received her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Maryland. She stayed in Maryland and went on to work through the Letter Carriers’ Union with USPS. Karen, a talented photographer, moved to Boston, MA to further her study and hone her skills in the field. While in Boston, Karen began working for Overseas Adventure Travel in Cambridge, a job she truly enjoyed. An additional benefit, it allowed her to travel to new places such as Guatemala, Ireland, and Australia. In the late 1980s, Karen relocated back to Utica to be with family. She started working in the healthcare industry with the Visiting Nurses’ Association to be of service to others and continued to work for them until her retirement. Upon retirement, Karen nurtured her artistic talents and stayed very busy with projects in quilting, painting, various media and gardening, where her hidden green thumb had a chance to flourish. Karen was very independent, self-sufficient and had a mind of her own. She stayed true to her beliefs. Karen took pride in her home. In her spare time, she thoroughly enjoyed the Bouckville antique shows. Karen is survived by her sisters, Rosemary Kulpa (and the memory of her late husband, Edward Kulpa), Carol and Terry Dowdall, and Donna Erkenbeck. She will live on in the hearts of her nieces and nephews, Timothy and Denise Kulpa, Judith Kulpa, Jennifer Dowdall, Andrea and Jeff Sirianni, Garrett Erkenbeck, and Emily and Paul O’Neill; several great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and her parakeet, Mr. Pearlie Mae, who kept the house decidedly not silent. Karen was predeceased by her nephew, Michael Kulpa, in December of 2020. The family would like to thank the second-floor staff and caregivers at The Pines at Utica for all they did in Karen’s time of need. In keeping with Karen’s wishes, the family will hold a private gathering. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Karen’s honor may be made to the Utica Zoo Animal Care Fund online at https://www.uticazoo.org/donate/ or by mail to One Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY 13501. Fond memories and messages of encouragement are welcome.

Karen A. (Carcone) Rothfuss

August 3, 1948 - March 30, 2024