"Uncle Phil thank you for raising my father , thank you for your love & prayers always & the Godly example you always were to us . I will love and miss you forever, there will never be anyone like you ! I will miss our frequent exchange of text messages & pictures . May you be forever free & reunited with all of our loved ones who have gone before us ! XOXO love your niece Stephanie Graziadei Jecko XOXO"
In loving memory of
Philip N Graziadei
December 11, 1930 - May 31, 2017
Philip N. Graziadei, Sr., age 86, passed away on Wednesday, May 31. 2017 at home with his beloved family by his side. He was born in Utica, NY on December 11, 1930, a son of the late Michael and Rose DePaul Graziadei.
He attended Proctor High School and graduated from Utica College as well as Officer Candidate School, where he was commissioned as Lieutenant and served as an Instructor at Camp Rucker, Alabama.
Following his Army Service, he married his High School sweetheart, Ann Theresa Laino, in 1954. This was a Loving and Mutual relationship of 63 years. During their marriage, he and his wife raised four of his younger siblings in addition to their own children.
Philip spent most of his professional career at Utica National Insurance Company, retiring after 38 years of service, as a Sr. Vice President and as a member of their Board of Directors.
He contributed to his community, serving on the Boards of Utica College, Faxton Hospital Foundation, Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Utica Boys and Girls Club, United Way, United Arts Foundation and Utica Eastside center.
Philip was a very proud member of the Knights of St. John, Commandery #385 and the Tau Phi Zeta Fraternity. He was also a former member the Yahnundasis Country Club.
Phil and his wife were blessed with four wonderful children. His heart was forever broken at the loss of his son, Philip Jr., who went with the Lord on August 30, 2002.
He leaves his daughters, Michele Roefaro, Cheryl Kutsko (her husband, Paul), his son, Nicholas Graziadei, his daughter-in-law, Silvia Graziadei (wife of Philip Jr.), his ten grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Paul Kutsko (his wife, Erin), Evan Kutsko, Kristina Graziadei, Philip Graziadei, III, Martin Roefaro, Samantha Kutsko, Carly Graziadei, Daniel Graziadei, Joseph Graziadei and Eleanor Graziadei.
Surviving are his brother, Michael Graziadei (his wife, Merilyn), his sister, Rosanne Zane (her husband, Matt), his brother, George Graziadei and his sister-in-law, Carmelita (wife of his departed brother, Carl).
Philip was predeceased by his brothers Carl Graziadei and Robbie Graziadei, his in-laws, Daniel and Lena Laino, his brother-in-law, Nicholas Laino and his special sister, Carmella (Graziadei) Grande.
He also leaves many dear nieces and nephews and friends.
Philip was a very devoted catholic who attended mass daily when possible. His mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Jude Catholic Church, Boca Raton on Friday, June 9th at 10:00 am.
Tributes
"To my Loving Godfather. My heart is heavy with this sad news. I will always remember our Sunday afternoons ice-cream trips. You always ordered me a two-scoop cone and every time, yes every time I would take one lick and plop it would fall on the ground. You never stopped taking me or buying that 2 scoop cone. Every summer when I see a young child with a large cone, I chuckle to myself and think fondly of you both. We had so many wonderful loving memories on Sherman Drive at the pool and the never ending popsicles. Love you Uncle Phil. Both you and Aunt Tre will always have a special place in my heart. God bless. Love, Donna Derrico Sands "
"My wife and I are both from Utica but moved to Florida several years ago. I attend daily mass at St Jude here in Boca and there I would see Phil every morning at the 8AM mass. I will miss his friendly wave to me each morning. My wife and I extend our deepest sympathy to his wife and family. Dr & Mrs Anthony Dardano"
"From our family to yours, we are so so sorry for your loss. We will miss you deeply Uncle Phil... Although it's difficult to see beyond our sorrows may we look back at all the greatest memories all us cousins, aunts, uncle and friends shared with this beautiful family! We love you and you will remain in our hearts forever. Til we all meet again in the light and glory of our Lord! Amen, "
"The family will miss you dearly uncle Phil . Your love , caring , wisdom, strength and your belief god and family is something we all will keep with us . Bless you."
"When I think of Sherman Dr. it brings a sense of warmth and fond memories. I reflect often of my childhood memories there. The pool, those popsicles, and lots of laughs. Thank you so much for those times at your house. You always welcomed us in. Love you forever Uncle Phil ????"
"To a very loving uncle. You always had a very special place in my heart. You were always an inspiration. So much pride, intellect, wisdom, love and devotion. We were honored to have you as a member of our family. I can always remember you giving us tid-bits of advice while growing up. I especially remember when I was 5 years old, you came by the house on a Saturday afternoon as my Mom was making us lunch. I remember drinking my chicken noodle soup from the bowl. You gently told me that's not how young ladies have soup. Wonderful memories on Sherman Drive. You always had popsicles in the freezer and would run up to McDonalds in Westmoreland - the only time we could get whatever we wanted on the menu. My Mom would say a cheeseburger and you would wink and say "order whatever you like, honey". I love you and will pray for you everyday. Love, Lisa Derrico Eklund "
"We will miss most of all...Phil's prayers...concerned about all of us. We also will miss those fun times at the "Cove". In our hearts forever."