Angelo Gressani's Obituary
Angelo Gressani, 96, of Cicero, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, June 3, 2014. Born in Terzo di Tolmezzo, Carnia, Italy in 1918, he came to the United States on the ship "Italia" at the age of 13. Ironically, 15 years later, he and his wife, Helen took a Caribbean cruise on that same ship. Angelo was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during WWII, serving four years in the European Theatre. After the war and his marriage to the former Helen Aiello, he started his own construction company. "Angelo Gressani Construction" soon became well known in Central New York for the many schools and churches he built. The present North Syracuse Baptist Church and Holy Cross School in Dewitt are just a couple. He also constructed many other high profile buildings in the area along with several of the homes his family lived in. Angelo was a communicant of Holy Cross Church in Dewitt. Angelo was an avid golfer who took the game as a personal challenge. He was always practicing, taking lessons (as well as giving them), and continually improving his game. For over 45 years, he was a member of Lake Shore Yacht and Country Club. Finally at the age of 89, his dream came true when he got a hole-in-one on a 200 yard par 3. The only thing he would not discuss was what club he used. Angelo continued to play regularly until the age of 93. His other main passion was gardening.
He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Helen (Aiello) Gressani in 1998 and his sister, Amalia Gysel. Angelo is survived by his son, David (Mary) Gressani; daughters, Elaine Giemza (Michael Ranieri) and Joyce (Donald) DeVaul; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Humbert (Ann Marie) Gressani; along with many nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass in celebration of Angelo's life will be held on Friday, June 6, 2014 at 1:30 pm in Holy Cross Church, Dewitt. Entombment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery Mausoleum, Dewitt. Family and friends may call at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse on Thursday, June 5, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to North Area Meals on Wheels, 413 Church Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212.
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