Shibley "Shib" Caouette

Shibley “Shib” Caouette Jr., 64, passed away, with his loving family by his side, on Sunday, April 18, 2021, after a courageous and hard fought battle with cancer.

Shibley was born in Utica, February 6, 1957, a son of the late Shibley and Catherine (Lloyd) Caouette.  He attended Roosevelt Elementary School and a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. Shib was joined in marriage to his childhood sweetheart, the former Gerri Ann Petronella, on May 5, 1978. Gerri Ann and Shib shared a marriage dedicated to each other and family and would have just celebrated 43 loving years. Shib was employed with Continental Roofing for many years.

A dedicated family man, Shib always enjoyed spending time with his children, whether it was being involved with their sports endeavors, or as simple as sitting home and doing a puzzle together. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed watching and feeding birds in the yard. The highlight for him was having all his grandkids running and playing at the house. They were the apple of his eye. He especially enjoyed Sunday dinners every week with his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gerri Ann; four children, Josette and Rick Bilodeau, Shibley III and Krystal Caouette, Shawn and Nicki Caouette, and Dana and Jimmy Finch; seven grandchildren, Gabriella Bilodeau, Kinsley and Teagan Caouette, Blake and Noah Caouette, and Quincy and Raymond Finch; sister, Carol and Tim Mozzetti; mother-in-law, Angela Petronella; two brothers-in-law, Mark and David Petronella; sister-in-law, Ann Marie and Mark Tolman; Godchildren, Teri Mozzetti Gillon and Bre Catrombone; his dogs, Brewster and Abby; several cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, David “Spanky” Caouette; brother-in-law, Michael Petronella; niece, Lisa Mozzetti; father-in-law, Jerry Petronella.

Relatives and friends may call on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., Utica.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Private interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. The funeral home and church are working at limited capacity; all attendees must wear masks covering their nose and mouth, social distance, and register for Covid-19 tracing. Messages on The Matt Funeral Home website are of great comfort to the family.

In memory of Shib, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/memorial. The family would also like to offer their gratitude to the doctors and nurses that took care of Shib during his illness, especially the staff at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY.

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