Mr. Lawrence J. "Larry" Ficarra

CAZENOVIA/SPELLO, ITALY – Mr. Lawrence J. “Larry” Ficarra, age 61, of Cazenovia, NY, passed away on September 24, 2022, in Spello, Italy. Born in Utica, NY, on January 15, 1961, Larry was the son of the late Angelo C. Ficarra, Eleanor (Arcuri) Ledger, and stepfather, Terrance P. Ledger. Larry spent his childhood in the Upstate New York communities of New Hartford, Turin, and Old Forge. Larry was a talented athlete and musician; he enjoyed playing drums in the dance band, playing basketball, downhill skiing, and water skiing. In high school, his basketball team competed in a tournament in Poland, exposing Larry to aspects of history and the culture of Europe. After Cheryl and Larry’s mother married Terry Ledger, the blended family grew to seven, including siblings, Kathi, Pat, and Terry Ledger. The family enjoyed snow skiing locally at McCauley Mountain, as well as abroad in Canada and Switzerland. Water skiing on 4th Lake in the early morning hours and at dusk was one of Larry’s favorite summertime activities. A memorable three-night family camping experience was a boat trip to Stillwater Reservoir and Beaver River in the “old blue boat,” which included the special family pups, Lady and Tramp. When Larry wasn’t skiing in the wintertime, he was often on a snowmobile with friends from Turin or with family on the trails and frozen lakes of the Old Forge area. Larry studied at SUNY Maritime College, MVCC, and SUNY Potsdam, and then headed to Florida, where he earned his associate’s degree from Miami Dade Community College. Larry then pursued a successful career in information technology, working for the Syracuse Computer Store, Ikon Office Solutions, and Preferred Mutual Insurance. Over the course of his career, he worked with some of the very first personal computers as well as mainframe computers, supporting large businesses in the Central New York area. Larry had a reputation as being a very hardworking, detail-oriented, and highly skilled professional. In recent years Larry enjoyed working with his sons in their pursuits: Jack in Timewell, IL, and Peter in Hamilton, NY. Larry imparted his knowledge of construction, electrical systems, and woodworking to his beloved boys. As Larry and Heather developed their property in Hamilton, Larry was able to share his enthusiasm for the outdoors—in all seasons—with Jack and Peter. Larry also was the grill master at large family gatherings on their Hamilton property during holidays and other times of the year. Having family and friends enjoy the lovely surroundings of their Hamilton property was important to Larry. He also cherished the opportunities to travel with his mom to Paris, Russia, and on a family-history tour of Italy. Larry enjoyed spending time in Spello, Italy, where he and his wife Heather were part of a close-knit community. While there, Larry enjoyed gardening, pressing olive oil, local wine and culinary traditions, and spending time with friends. Larry is survived by Heather, his wife of 30 years; his loving sons, Peter, and Jack; his daughter-in-law, Shannon Ficarra; and his granddaughter, Hayden. Survivors also include his loving sister, Cheryl Ficarra and her husband Bill Banks; as well as his siblings and their spouses, Kathi and Kevin Delphia, Patrick and Jennifer Ledger, and Terry and Debbie Ledger; his aunts and uncles, Sharon and Carl Mazza, and Janice and Leon Arcuri. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Larry remained close to his longtime friendships, especially George Beckingham, Kent Stoffle, and Phil Chambers. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Larry’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning, October 15, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleecker St. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery. Larry’s friends and family knew him as an animal lover. For those wishing to do so please consider contributions in Larry’s name to the ASPCA online at www.aspca.org/donate; envelopes will be available at the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave., Utica, NY.

Mr. Lawrence J. "Larry" Ficarra

January 15, 1961 - September 24, 2022