Obituary of Victor Auriemma

Mr. Victor Auriemma, Sr., 84 years old, of Poplar Drive, passed away peacefully, with his loving family at his side, on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at St. Mary?s Hospital. He was born November 12, 1926, in Amsterdam, a son of Angelo and Marianin Auriemma. Vic was a life long resident of Amsterdam. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WW2. Vic served as a Signalman Third Class on the USS Barbarian, in the European and Asiatic-Pacific Theaters, primarily in Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1946, returned to the former Wilber H. Lynch High School to graduate later that year. Vic then began a long career as a Supervisory Supply Specialist with the U.S. Navy Supply Depot in Scotia, retiring in 1974. Vic married the former Alice Ratajczak on June 27, 1948, enjoying a long and happy union, recently celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary. He was a member and past president of both the Columbian Social Club and of the Bigelow-Weavers Club. Vic was an avid gardener. He was also known as an accomplished bowler and enjoyed golfing and fishing. His favorite past time was handicapping horse races and was frequently asked for his ?best bets? by family and friends. Vic and Alice were regulars at the Saratoga and Fingerlakes race courses. They enjoyed many trips to the Turning Stone Casino. Above all, Vic enjoyed spending time with his family. Survivors, in addition to his wife are his daughter Pamela Costello and her husband Robert, and his son Victor Auriemma, Jr., and his wife Debra, all of Hagaman. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Mary Auriemma and brother-in-law Stanley Ratajczak, nieces and nephews. Vic was predeceased by his brothers: John, Joseph, Peter and Guido Auriemma, his sisters-in-law: Antoinette, Jeanette and Elizabeth Auriemma and brothers-in-law Raymond, Robert and William Ratajczak. Funeral services will be held 8:15am Monday, at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, followed at 9:15am by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary?s Roman Catholic Church. Burial is in St. Mary?s Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, from 2 until 5:00pm, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made: Community Hospice of Amsterdam or St. Jude?s Children?s Cancer Research Hospital in c/o the funeral home.