Alfonso Philip DeCotis

Alfonso Philip DeCotis, 90, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2016 at Doctor's Hospice of Georgia in Fayetteville. Al, the son of Decio and Angeline Coiro DeCotis, was born Sept. 16, 1925, in New York Mills, NY. On Feb. 4, 1950, he married his loving wife Carmella Pitrel DeCotis and together they lived and raised their family in Utica, NY. In 2011, he and Carmella moved to Georgia. Al was a printer for the Widtman Press from 1948-1954 and for the Utica Observer-Dispatch from 1954-1984. He then taught in the Utica School District from 1984-1995 and helped many students realize their full potential as learners. Al also was an instructor at Mohawk Valley Community College. Al served aboard U.S. Navy minesweepers U.S.S. Pilot 104 and YMS 444 in World War II, earning the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. He received European, Asia and American Victory Medals. He enjoyed telling his grandchildren many stories about the countries he visited during that time. Al attended Thomas R. Proctor High School, Utica Free Academy, MVCC and the State University of New York at Oswego. He was a member of the Knights of St. John Commandery 385. In his younger years, he was a Boy Scout troop master, Little League coach and taught religious education. Along with his wife Carmella, Al is survived by his four sons, who made him very proud and their wives: Mark DeCotis and Pam (Carr) DeCotis of Melbourne, FL; John DeCotis and Tina (Carzo) DeCotis of Fayetteville, GA; Paul DeCotis and Luann (Saraceno) DeCotis of Malta, NY; and Matthew DeCotis and Cindi (Cresswell) DeCotis of Niskayuna, NY. Al also leaves his ten beloved grandchildren: Tracy DeCotis Morgan of Melbourne, FL and Ed Morgan; Carrie DeCotis Martin and Eric Martin of Indialantic, FL; Casey DeCotis of Melbourne, FL; Johanna DeCotis Smith and Cole Smith of Atlanta, GA; John Paul DeCotis of Atlanta, GA; Maria DeCotis of New York City, NY; Sara DeCotis and Alexander Soriano of Boston, MA; Emma DeCotis of Boston, MA; Evan DeCotis and Jess Ginnan DeCotis of Fairport, NY; and Amy DeCotis and Colin Madden of Niskayuna, NY. He was pre-deceased by his youngest grandson Daniel DeCotis of Niskayuna, NY. Al also is survived by five great-grandchildren, whom he cherished: Kaiden and Carter Morgan of Melbourne, FL; Neven and Avery Martin of Indialantic, FL; and Julia Madden of Niskayuna, NY. Also, Al leaves his dear brother and sister: Donald DeCotis and Maryann Perry, both of San Antonio, TX; in addition, 14 nieces and nephews and other extended family. His Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors, will be held on Saturday April 2nd at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/ Blessed Sacrament Parish. Private entombment will be at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. Relatives and friends may call on Friday April 1st from 5 to 7 p. m. at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St. at Mohawk St. in Utica. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 101 Walt Banks Road, Peachtree City, GA, 30269, who provided communion services to Al and his fellow residents at Heritage of Peachtree Assisted Living. The family would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped Al throughout his illness, especially John and Tina DeCotis, who provided constant love, care, and support for many years. For directions to the funeral home, click the link above.

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