Rufus Casaletta, Sr.

Mr. Rufus Casaletta, Sr., age 80, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at the Oneida Extended Healthcare Center. His loving family was by his side at the time of his passing. Born in Utica on March 20, 1926, Rufus was the son of the late George A. Sr., and Mary (Elefante) Casaletta. He was raised and educated locally. On June 13, 1946 he married the former Caroline Cittadino with whom he shared 42 years until her passing on July 21, 1988. At one time Rufus had been employed by the City of Utica with the Department of Parks. A man of simple means, Rufus enjoyed the serenity of the outdoors. Blessed with the virtue of patience, he was an experienced fisherman, and harbored fond memories of the Pier at Sylvan Beach. He was also an avid Yankees fan. Proud of his Italian heritage, he honored the various cultural traditions and celebrations, and enjoyed the cuisine, especially his favorite “linguine with clam sauce”. He took much pleasure in visiting with his children and grandchildren; his granddaughters always brought a smile to his face and laughter to his heart. He was a communicant of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Rufus is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Mary Theresa and Michael DiNigro of Frankfort; his sons, George A. Casaletta and Roberta Morose, Gary A. and Donna Casaletta, and Rufus Casaletta, Jr., all of Utica. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Lorraine “Lorrie” Casaletta. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Rufus Casaletta III, Gary A. Casaletta, Jr., George A. Casaletta, Jr., Domenica Marie DiNigro, and Maria Lynne DiNigro; his sisters and brother-in-law, Anne Nicoletta of Utica, and Carmelita and John Poccia of Red Bank, NJ; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his in-laws, Claire Casaletta, Carmella Cittadino, Gloria and Thomas Morreale, and Alfonse Fragola. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Franklin “Frankie” Casaletta, Chester and Mary Casaletta, Pasquale “Ali” Casaletta, George A. Casaletta, Jr., Raymond and Colette Casaletta, and Joseph Casaletta; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Genevieve and Philip J. Sacco, Rita and Russell Bianco, Bernadette J. and Orazio “Loz” A. Capuana, Antoinette Casaletta, and Teresa M. and Louis F. LaPorte; and siblings of his late wife; members of the Cittadino family. The family sincerely thanks the staff of the 5th floor (Vent Unit) at the Oneida Extended Healthcare Center. They were angels and they appreciated Rufus’ charm and personality which was meaningful to him and his family. In keeping with Rufus’ wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mr. Casaletta’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 11:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Rufus Casaletta, Sr.

March 20, 1926 - March 14, 2007