Arthur Risucci Obituary

UTICA/BALDWINSVILLE – Mr. Arthur R. "Art" Risucci, Sr., age 95, passed away peacefully on the evening of Monday, September 8, 2025. In his final moments, his children and grandchildren surrounded him with love. Arthur Risucci's legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He never shied away from hard work, family responsibilities, adventure, or living life to the fullest. Until the end, Arthur maintained his dignity, sense of humor, and independence. He had his own apartment and made a full breakfast daily-one egg, one slice of toast with three sausage patties, coffee, and sometimes orange juice to spice things up. Despite having only a GED, Arthur accomplished much in life and provided well for his family. Shortly after high school, he joined the Army, serving from 1948 to 1950. He was deployed to Germany, where he learned to speak German fluently. After being honorably discharged, Arthur found the love of his life, Kathleen Melito, whom he cared for until her passing in 2004 due to diabetes and kidney failure. He never remarried. Among his many accomplishments, Arthur served as a supervisor in various departments at Griffiss Air Force Base, where he received numerous certificates of recognition for his leadership and fiscally responsible management of government funds. After 30 years of service, he retired in 1985 at the age of 55-but he did not stop working. Following retirement, Arthur purchased three apartments and a bar in Utica, as well as a property in Sylvan Beach, which he renovated into a home. During his time in Sylvan Beach, he remained active in the community and even ran for mayor twice. He engaged in many activities, including boating, fishing, hunting, bowling, golfing, and flying-having earned an official pilot's license. Most recently, he enjoyed playing two hands simultaneously of three-card poker at various casinos. Arthur was born on August 5, 1930, in Utica, NY, to Michael and Mary (Salerno) Risucci. He was the last surviving member of his large family. He was predeceased by his parents; four brothers, Michael, Christopher, Ronnie, and Richard; and two sisters, Antoinette Fulfaro, and Virginia Montero. Also predeceased are his beloved wife, Kathleen (Melito) Risucci, and his youngest grandchild, Alana Risucci. Arthur is survived by his three children and their spouses, Mariangela Risucci, Concetta and Tony Pavia, and Arthur, Jr. and Cheryl Risucci. He also leaves to cherish his memory two grandchildren, Amanda and Frank Zupancic, and Raymond Risucci and fiancée Katie Kunkel; and two great-grandchildren, Arianna Zupancic, and Frankie Zupancic, Jr. A special thank you to the staff of the Intensive Care Unit at Upstate Medical Center for their compassionate care and support of Arthur and his family. Memorial contributions in Arthurs honor may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate or to Disabled American Veterans online at www.dav.org/donate. Private services will be held for the family at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. followed by a Roman Catholic Mass of Christian Burial with a formal military send-off. Entombment will take place in St. Joseph's Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. This obituary was lovingly written by Arthur's family.