Santo A. Falbo

Mr. Santo A. Falbo, age 61, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his loving and devoted family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Utica on May 8, 1951, Santo was the son of the late Frank F. “Poppi” and Stella M. (Angerosa) Falbo. He attended Notre Dame High School and later Utica College where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. On November 7, 1986 he married the former Kimberly A. “Kim” Burke with whom he shared 26 years in a strong relationship focused on love for each other and their family. Santo held a position as an Associate Employment Services Representative with the New York State Department of Labor, a career spanning over 35 years. He also worked at Vernon Downs as a Pari-Mutual Clerk for over 20 years and was a referee for the Utica Board of Officials for Women’s Basketball. Santo was kind and considerate to everyone he met. He devoted himself to his entire family, always offering his love, care, and unwavering support. His greatest pleasure was watching his children and grandchildren grow. He was a patriarch and protector to his loved ones. He was blessed with a strong, supportive nature, ready to listen and give his gentle advice. He possessed a paternal demeanor and took great pleasure in focusing his energy on his family and work. An eternal optimist, Santo was always admired for his tremendous courage and strength in the battle he faced during his illness. He always tried to be strong for his family so they didn’t worry about him – always telling everyone, “I’m O.K.” A testament to Santo's life was the many dear and cherished friendships he developed. From coach to counselor, he was a true role model, involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives and activities from sporting events to recitals. He took pride in coaching his daughter in softball, watching his son play baseball and seeing his grandchildren smile when he simply walked into the room. He was also a member of the Bocce League at the Italian American Heritage Club (Sons of Italy) and also enjoyed the sport of slow pitch softball. He took pride in cooking the food of his Italian heritage, particularly his palatable chicken riggies and his favorite fried meatballs. An avid fisherman, he looked forward to the opening day of trout season at his favorite spots on the Black River and Oriskany Creek. He was also a die hard fan of the NY Yankees, Syracuse Orange, and NY Giants. In his earlier years he enjoyed playing CYO basketball and football for Utica College. He valued his affiliation with the Knights of Columbus. Santo is survived by his wife, Kim; his daughter, Alyssa M. Falbo of Frankfort and Dominic Tripp; his son, Cory and Jaclyn McDowell of Ilion; and his grandchildren, Cole, and Ella McDowell. He also leaves his sisters and brothers-in-law, Filomain F. and Joseph A. Talerico, and Mary Theresa and Richard D. Dodge, all of Utica; his god-sons, Richard Dodge, Jr. and Nicholas Dodge; his in-laws, Karen and Bruce Mansell, Laurie Brisson, and Lynne and Kevin Golas; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, a special great-niece, Luella Margaret Dodge, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will also be missed by his cherished canine companion, Cami, his Yellow Lab. He was predeceased by his in-laws Ken and Betty Burke, and Danny Brisson; and his Black Lab, Sadie. The family is grateful to Dr. William Ryan, Dr. Alicia DeTraglia, Dr. Gilbert Lawrence, Dr. Kevin Matthews, and the nurses and staff of the 6th floor Oncology Unit of the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center for all their care and compassion. Visitation will be held Saturday from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to Spring Farm Cares or the Stevens-Swan Humane Society in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The Knights of Columbus will perform prayer services at 3:30. Santo’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 at the funeral home with the Rev. Guy Baccaro, childhood family friend, officiating the ceremony. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Santo A. Falbo

May 8, 1951 - February 13, 2013