Thomas C. Graziano, Sr

Mr. Thomas C. Graziano Sr., age 93, of Utica, passed away on Monday October 19, 2015 with his devoted family by his side.

He was born in Utica, on August 28, 1922, the son of the late Manuel and Laura Trasatti Graziano. Educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, and Utica College of Syracuse University with a B.S. degree in Accounting. He also was a member of Alpha Phi Delta National Fraternity.

On July 15, 1950, he was joined in marriage to Josephine Nivaggi in St. Agnes Church, a blessed union of 64 years, until her passing on June 29, 2015

Tom proudly served our country in the US Army from December of 1942 through December of 1945 in the European theater during WWII. He was self-employed as an accountant his entire life until his retirement in 2014. During his work career he was also an Assistant to New York State Assemblyman and Senator William S. Calli for 16 years.

He was a life-long parishioner of St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church. Through the years he was active in many of the church's administrative functions serving as a church trustee, a member of the parish council and the chair of the finance committee. He was one of the founding members of The Knights of St. John Commandery #385 where he attained the rank of General. He also served as the Treasurer, Vice President and President of the New York Grand Commandery. From 1983-1992 he served as the Supreme Treasurer and Supreme President of the International Knights of St. John.

Tom was extremely instrumental in the founding of the Monsignor Carl J. Denti Foundation Inc., which assists those individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Named in honor of his dear friend Msgr. Denti (confidant and past Chaplain of the Knights of St. John International), the foundation has helped numerous individuals and organizations donating over $300,000 in its 20 plus year history.

Surviving are one loving daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Robert Bentz of TX; three loving sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas C. Jr. and Evann Graziano of Stafford, VA, Dennis J. and Deborah L. Graziano of Victor, NY, and Manuel J. Graziano of Oneida; his cherished grandchildren, Gina and Tim Lane, Evan, Lauren, Richard and Emily Graziano, Christopher Bentz, Kiera and Justin Hamelink, Jason Dambrose and Cassandra Malloy, and Keith and Daniela Dambrose; his cherished great-grandchildren, Calvin, Ava, Wilson, Alyssa, Lucas and Maxwell Dambrose and Cody Lane; in-laws, Vincent and Claudia Nivaggi, John and Emily Nivaggi, Lena Grasso, and Angeline and Joseph Ducato; and his many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother Carmen M. Graziano.

His funeral will be held on Monday at 9:30 a.m. from The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home, Inc. 1122 Culver Ave., and at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church, where Military Honors will be conferred. Private entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The Knights of St. John will assemble for Ritual Services at 5:00 pm Sunday as well as stand Honor Guard during visitation.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Tom's memory to the Monsignor Carl J. Denti Foundation Inc.

Service

Monday, October 26 2015