Matthew E. Vittucci

Mr. Matthew E. Vittucci, age 59, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 19, 2007, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Ithaca, NY on March 5, 1948, Matthew was the son of Congetta (Callari) Vittucci and the late Raymond J. Vittucci. Raised and educated in Utica, he attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and T. R. Proctor High School, graduating with the class of 1966. He furthered his academic studies at Harpur College, a division of the State University of New York at Binghamton, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Math and Science in 1970. He then pursued his graduate studies at Syracuse University, SUNY Utica-Rome, Beaver College and in 1984 received a Masters Degree in Health Science Administration from the New School of Social Research in New York City. He alsoheld New York State Certification in Biology, Chemistry, and Health. A proud US Army veteran, Matt served as a reservist with the 331st Medical Unit. Early in his working life, Matthew held a summer job with the Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. He began his teaching career at St. Francis DeSales High School and subsequently took a position at John F. Kennedy High School in 1973. Mr. Vittucci dedicated his life to the students of John F. Kennedy High School, Middle School, and the Utica City School District. He had a natural ability to educate, mentor, and guide the children he instructed. He spent most evenings, as well as weekends, at school where he prepared his own class work and also much of what the Science Department needed regardless of the hours required to accomplish this. Additionally, he volunteered to serve on curriculum revision committees, health and safety committees, as well as numerous other committees as requested due to his vast experience and expertise. He was the primary health teacher for the high school students. It was during those early years that he began his extensive curriculum work in health and his service on numerous district and regional health committees where he worked on grant appropriations and financial management. His prime objective as a teacher was to ensure his students’ well-being and progress. He put the interests of his students first and even provided tutoring, free of charge, to those that were unable to attend school due to medical or emergency situations. In September 2006, Matthew began the final phase of his 34 year educational career. He was appointed as an Academic Intervention Specialist and Project Alert Coordinator. In this capacity he was responsible for monitoring remedial programs resulting from the No Child Left Behind mandates. Also, he was involved in John F. Kennedy Middle School’s testing coordination, preparation and administration of all New York State Assessment tests. He was responsible for managing the district’s Project Alert – “Say No to Drugs” Program at the secondary level. When John F. Kennedy became first a Junior High School and then a Middle School, he served as Department Head and later as Team Leader. His meticulous attention to details served him well in these leadership roles. He was responsible for all science programs, staff members, and materials. The end of the regular school day was not the end of his. Matt was a source of pride and professionalism to the district and his colleagues. He will be dearly missed by the students, teachers, staff, and administrators of the Utica City School District. Matt was truly “one of a kind”. Among his professional memberships, he was very actively involved in Phi Delta Kappa (PDK). Matthew currently was the advisor of this International Education Association, won the Distinguished Service Key award, and was the founder of the “Friends of Education” award. As a past president of PDK, he and his late father served as officers in this association, and were dedicated advocates. At one time, he was a member of the American Red Cross. A selfless and humanistic man, Matt always went out of his way for anyone who was in need. He valued the friends he made during his lifetime, and considered them extended family. Generous by nature, he was a loving uncle who always provided for his niece and nephew, Rachel and Peter. He guided them and helped them achieve their individual potentials. He was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Matthew is survived by his mother, Congetta Vittucci of Utica; and his sister and brother-in-law, Annette and Peter Wizes of NC. He was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Hasemeier who passed away on November 17, 1989. Also surviving is his niece, Rachel Mae Alice Payne of NC; his nephew, Peter Ray Hasemeier of Portland, OR; his uncles and aunts, Paul and Pat Callari, Matteo Vittucci, Frances Vittucci, and Pearl Vittucci; and his cousins. He was blessed with many loving friendships, too numerous to mention. He was predeceased by his father, Raymond J. Vittucci; his brother-in-law, Larry Payne; and his uncles, Angelo, and Rocco. The family offers heartfelt appreciation to the Utica Fire Department paramedics and the Utica Fire Ambulance staff for their timely response and valiant efforts. Thanks also to Utica Police Officer Joe Cucharale and Matthew’s neighbors for their concern and attention. Visitation will be held Tuesday (today) from 4:00 – 7:00 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 donations to the family, enabling them to establish a scholarship in Matthew’s name; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Matthew’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish at Mt. Carmel Church, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Matthew E. Vittucci

March 5, 1948 - May 19, 2007