Obituary of Anthony Ciccarino

Anthony Ciccarino, 97, originally of Amsterdam, died at Syracuse Homes in Baldwinsville, NY. Anthony moved to Syracuse in 2007, residing at Park Rose Estates. He was noted for being gregarious, a great dancer and musician and for helping others when the chance arose. Born in Amsterdam, he was the son of Vincenzo and Assunta Anastasia Ciccarino and brother of the late James, Catherine and Rosalie. He was a parishioner of the former St. Michael the Archangel Church and now Our Lady Of Mount Carmel. Tony and his brother Jim painted houses for a living. The "Ciccarino Brothers" white "painting" van was a common sight on the streets of Amsterdam. Known for their meticulous work, the brothers would proudly point out all of the houses in the community that they had painted. Tony was an artist, extraordinaire. Using both oils and water color, he sold much of his work, some commissioned by folks in the community. He painted well into his 80's, carefully doing his own framing. He was recognized in several articles in the community newspaper over the years, based on his talent. Tony was also a great musician, and it was his great love. He played banjo, guitar and finally mandolin, entertaining family, friends and at senior centers. He was a skilled music arranger, leaving notebooks of carefully scripted musical notes, written in ink on pages and pages of staff paper. He always just "happened" to have a list of songs he could sing, in case someone had a stray guitar and the occasion to perform arose unexpectedly. He continued to entertain with his mandolin until very recently. His favorite hours were spent in jam sessions with his musician friends, most notable Steve Lopec. At a party or a wedding, Tony was the one working the room. A wonderful dancer who had an eye for the ladies, he was never without a full supply of dancing partners from among family and friends. A grateful family has had Tony until age 97, but still, not long enough. He is survived by two children, Vince Sylvia Matousek Ciccarino of Syracuse, and Elaine Ropelewski, Augusta, GA, several grandchildren, Kathy Andy Beardslee, Suzanne Jim Baxter, Anthony Ciccarino, all of Syracuse, Michelle Ross Douglas, Augusta, Ga, Nancy Edward Conde, Malta, and six great grandchildren. Tony was predeceased by his wives, Rose Camarano Ciccarino and Camilla Torsiello-Husted Ciccarino. The funeral will be held on Saturday, January 15 at 10:30 am at the Betz, Rossi, & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, followed by the Mass Of Christian Burial at 11:15 am at Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Church, Fr. Lawrence J. Decker, celebrant. He will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Cemetery in Fort Johnson. A calling period will begin at 9:00 am prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the CNY Food Bank, in care of the funeral home at 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010.