Angelo Sam Cofano

On February 2, 2016, a man of deep faith and loyalty to his family and country, Angelo Sam Cofano, departed this world just a little over a month shy of his 97th birthday. He was born on March 25, 1919 in Utica, NY and was a lifelong resident. He was a devout Catholic whose family were longtime parishioners at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church. As the only son among five daughters of Italian immigrant parents, Angelo attended Utica schools. In 1936, he left Utica Free Academy after his sophomore year to work with the Civilian Conservation Corps to help support his family. As a member of the greatest generation, Angelo served honorably in WWII as an Army PFC with the 149th Infantry Regiment, 38th Infantry Division. He was stationed primarily in New Guinea and in the Philippines as a combat radio operator. His time spent in military service left a profound impact on him. It was his sense of duty to family and his gratitude to God for his safe return home that led him to lovingly and selflessly care for his parents and his sister Grace until their deaths. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, he completed Business Administration and Accounting courses at Utica School of Commerce. Angelo worked for the US Postal Service and later became a civilian employee in the Accounting Office at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, NY. In 1973, he began a long and enjoyable retirement. During this period, he continued to care for his father and then his sister. In his free time, he worked as an usher at the Utica War Memorial and spent time at Valley View Golf Course with his long time golfing buddy, Angelo Butera. He enjoyed having coffee with his friends at McDonald's on Mohawk Street. He was committed to fitness, working out daily, first at the YMCA and then the Fitness Mill in New York Mills. This activity continued until he reached 90. His motivation was the pretty girls at the gym. Since Angelo was a world class flirt, his explanation said it all, "I look, but I don't touch!" Although he was a private man, Angelo was an active participant in extended family activities including Sunday dinners and holiday festivities. In later years, Angelo joined his sisters, Jennie and Rose, as they embarked on their routine weekend dinners in Rome, which often ended with cannolis before heading off to try their luck at Turning Stone Casino. He also was a popular fixture during the Christmas holidays in Rochester, enjoying his red wine and the hospitality of the Magee, Sacheli and Bogdanowicz families. Angelo had a long, happy and blessed life! Angelo enters into Heaven into the loving embrace of his parents, Frank and Anna Butera Cofano; sisters and brothers-in-law, Caroline Cofano, Grace Pugliese (Ralph), Jennie Bogdanowicz (Julius), Elizabeth DiCaprio, and Orlando Illi, Sr.; nieces, Annmarie Williams Murad and Diane DiCaprio Cormier; and special friend, Angelo Butera. Angelo is survived by his loving sister, Rose Illi ("Rose from San Antoine"); brother-in-law, Frank DiCaprio; and special cousins from the Cofano and Butera families. Although he never married, nor had any children of his own, Uncle Tato or Uncle Lefty, as he was fondly called was blessed with the love and admiration of his nieces, nephews and their children. He created lifelong bonds with his "sweethearts" and "buddies". Left to preserve their priceless memories of one very, special uncle are James Murad, Orlando and Brenda Illi, Debbie and Peter Yousey, Gary and Gloria Illi, Julius and Barbara Bogdanowicz, Joyce and Jim Magee, Jean and Tom Sacheli, Jan and Natalie Bogdanowicz, Tom Cormier, Frank DiCaprio, Sherri and David DeMaio, and many adoring great nieces and great nephews. Angelo's family wishes to express their appreciation to the 3rd floor Memory Care Unit at The Highland's Living Center in Pittsford, NY; Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester and The Terrace at Woodland Assisted Living Community in Rome, NY, for all the care and compassion shown to him since June 2011. In addition, they offer heartfelt thanks to the Matt Family for all their years of compassionate care and loving service to the Cofano and Butera families during their time of need. A celebration of Angelo's life will be held on Friday, February 5th at 12:30 p.m. from The Matt Funeral Home, and at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St., Utica. Relatives and friends may call on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., corner of Mohawk St., Utica. A Memorial Service will be held in Angelo's honor in Fairport New York at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Honor Flight Rochester, Inc., P.O. Box 23581, Rochester, NY 14692. For directions to the funeral home, click the link above.

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