Mr. Louis J. D'Amelio, Jr.

UTICA - On Tuesday October 15, 2019, our beloved Uncle Lou passed away peacefully as he sat in a favorite recliner and looked out his window at the lovely brick walkway. He had no regrets only joy in his heart as he left this life. He loved his friends and family and all in return loved him. Louie was born in Utica on March 20, 1930, son of Louis and Mary (Nucito) D’Amelio. He was born into one of many Italian immigrant families that settled in Central New York in the early 20th century. He grew up with his siblings, cousins, and his two amigos, Jay and Tony. As a child, he loved working on his Uncle’s farm, the D’Amelio Dairy, and going to the movies. He loved garage sales, book sales, and the Chinese buffet. He loved Judy Garland and told her so from the audience at a concert in NYC. He enjoyed many adventures and travels to NYC to see Broadway Shows, California, New Jersey, Florida, Europe, and many a NYS country road. He never missed a birthday or special occasion. He loved to go out and eat. He cherished his privacy, yet had time for everyone. He enjoyed his life. Uncle Lou is survived by his nieces Karen VanKeuren, Linda Schuyler, Julie Surace, Diane Chmel; nephews David (and Melissa) D’Amelio; great-nieces Lisa VanKeuren, Chelsea Chmel, Corinne Chmel, Alexandra D’Amelio, Jessica D’Amelio; great-nephews David VanKeuren, Michael D’Amelio and Connor Chmel; many cousins including Angela Demma, Jack Demma, Donna Rauscher, Maria D’Amelio, DeAnna D’Amelio, Louisa D’Amelio; and good friends Richard Dawes, Antanietta Loreti and the Loreti family, Mary Rose Lupis, Frank Damiano, and Paul and Judy Pawlikowski. He was predeceased by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Angela and Rocco Surace, brother and sister-in-law Anthony and Carmella D’Amelio, and his life-long friends Jay (Mr. Jay) Trisolino and Anthony Loreti. He was educated at Mt. Carmel Grammar School, and Proctor High School (Class of 1948). He attended Utica College on the G.I. Bill, graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Relations. He served with the U.S. Army between June 19, 1951 and June 18, 1953, earning a Good Conduct Medal. Lou worked briefly with General Electric and for a year with the Social Security Administration. In March 1959, he purchased The Rome Record Shop and turned it into a legend. The Shop was famous for late night literary discussions, long talks with Rome’s youth of the 1960s, writing sessions on his typewriter that continued when he arrived home -- on his other typewriter, and copious amounts of his beloved coffee. Lou very much enjoyed the 33 years he ran the Record Shop, making many life-long friends. He always felt great fondness for the hospitality of so many of Rome’s citizens. He retired in 1992 and decided to take his love of people to the ARC of Oneida and Lewis Counties and worked as a residence manager and counselor until 2008. He also served as a job coach for Madison County ARC. In addition to a long and rewarding professional life, Uncle Lou served as a volunteer with Friends of the Utica Public Library, Literacy Volunteers of America, and the Stanley Theater. Lou had a lifelong passion for theatre, creative writing, films, and music. He won many writing awards, including two John Gassner Memorial Playwriting Awards for his plays “Nobody Dances Here” and “The Private Prop. Of Rosco Pointer”. Other plays he wrote won the Utica College Play Writing Contest eight times. He co-wrote the book, for the musical, ”Fiesta”, which was commissioned by Utica College, and the book for the musical, “The Lester and Lorraine Show”, was performed many times at the Beeches in Rome. He also wrote five novels, several short stories, and book reviews for the Observer-Dispatch and several national publications. Uncle Lou was an influential member of the Mt. Carmel Community Theatre from 1967 to 1980, during which he directed many plays, most notably “Life with Father”, Noel Coward’s “Fallen Angels”, Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler”, and a mid-night production of “Dracula” in 1980 on the Hanna Park stage. Over the years, the Players, Utica College, Mt. Carmel, and the Rome Community Theatre performed local productions of Lou’s plays. Between 2001 and 2010, Uncle Lou “immensely” enjoyed his affiliation with the RSVP Senior Theatre. He directed many of the group’s plays, which have been performed in local libraries, senior centers, among other venues. Lou was also an active member of the Utica Writers’ Club between 1968 and 2010. He served as president and historian of the group and worked on the Judging Committee of many of its creative writing contests. Lou lived a long, healthy, productive life filled with loving family, friends, and community. He lived life quietly as a passionate individual who realized his dreams through his many accomplishments and life-long relationships. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Uncle Lou’s Celebration of Life which will commence on Sunday evening, October 27th at 5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in honor of Uncle Lou’s love of animals may make a donation to a Humane Society of their choice. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery at the convenience of the family. This Obituary was written by Uncle Lou sprinkled with a few flowery notes by his niece, Karen VanKeuren.

Mr. Louis J. D'Amelio, Jr.

March 20, 1930 - October 15, 2019