George H. "Gazzy" Gazzal Sr.

George “Gazzy” Gazzal Sr., 96, passed away peacefully, with his devoted family by his side, Sunday, July 31, 2022, at Rome Memorial Hospital.

George was born in Utica, April 1, 1926, a son of the late Habib “John” and Maroom (Mardany) Gazzal. He was educated at Bleecker Street and Brandagee Elementary Schools, TR Proctor High School, and Utica Free Academy.

On September 27, 1947, in St. Louis Gonzaga Church, George was joined in marriage to the former Lena M. Lomanto. They shared a very loving marriage of over seventy years, until his beloved Lena passed away on March 26, 2017. George and Lena enjoyed traveling, spending some winters in Florida, but most loved being with their adored sons and extensive family.

At one time, George was employed at Griffiss Air Force Base and also worked in the family grocery business, with his brothers, at the Oriskany Falls Superette. He later held positions for the City of Utica, in the codes department and as foreman of the DPW; and most recently retired from the (ICAN) Kid’s Oneida program.

A most loveable man, Gazzy possessed a great sense of humor and was always fun to be around. He loved nothing more than to spend time with his extensive family and many lifelong friends. George enjoyed his many trips to Vegas and local casino’s; and was a great card player, considered by many a champion Heart’s player.

He is the last of his generation of the Gazzal family and his wife, sisters, brothers, and their families, were all there to welcome him home.

He is survived by his two beloved sons and his “favorite” daughter-in-law, George Gazzal Jr. and Joseph and Candace (Rezey) Gazzal; one brother-in-law, Joseph Lomanto; and also many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his sisters and brother-in-law, Evelyn “Mellie” Gazzal, Nancy and Russell Cerminaro, and Jeanette Gazzal; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Helen Gazzal, and Joseph and Delphine Gazzal; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, James and Bernice Lomanto, Fred and Arlene Lomanto, Sarah and Tony Shusky, Josephine and Dominick “Teddy” Faga, Guy and Frances Bonomo, Mary and Victor Bruni, and Patricia Lomanto; and special beloved nephew, John Gazzal.

The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to his lifelong physicians Dr. Naji El Khoury and Dr. Dan Fuleihan; and also special thanks to Charlie Lewis and his staff at Rome Residential Health Care Facility, for the loving care shown to their dad during his stay.

His family will honor him privately and he will be laid to rest with his wife at Calvary Mausoleum.

In memory of Gazzy, please consider donations to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org or the Abraham House at theabrahamhouse.org

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