Armand Urbane Aquilino II

Armand Urbane Aquilino II, 84, of Eastwood, joined his heavenly parents on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. He was with family, passing comfortably at the home he was born in on February 2, 1941, to Dr. Leonard M. Aquilino and Mrs. Louise Wadanole Aquilino. His joyful childhood was split between the Eastwood neighborhood and Oneida Lake. Armand‘s simple motto was two fun things every day; whether it was as simple as a sip of his coffee, genuinely enjoyed, or sharing a scoop of maple-walnut ice cream with someone you love. He attended Huntington Elementary School, Eastwood Junior High School, and Eastwood Senior High School. He then went to Syracuse University (Go Orange!!), where he earned his degree in Athletics. Armand got his master’s degree in athletics from SUNY Cortland. Sgt. Aquilino served four years in the U.S. Air Force at Hamilton Air Force Base in California. As the recreation officer, he trained a few U.S. Olympic boxers; that athletics degree really paid off. He loved his time in California and discovered the magic of wine country. After his service, he worked for the Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department as the Administrator for the Village of East Syracuse. He was also the designer/developer of the Hanlon Pool and Ellis Field Park. His company venture, BEAR Construction, was formed with a good friend, Steve Bell (the BE), and Armand (the AR). He reliably operated it for 40 years, even working with his brother Leonard until he semi-retired, (semi) because he could never really stop tinkering with his tools. Armand was an honorary member of the Retired Fire Chiefs. Armand treasured cars, especially his Canary Yellow Corvette with the Red Leather interior. He was a proud 50-year member of the Franklin Auto Club and loved his glimmering 1928 Franklin. He is survived by his daughter, Amanda “Amy” Lee Aquilino, and his 14-year-old grandson, Desmond Vedder Ross of Portland, Oregon. Grandpa Armand reminded everyone that Desmond made him feel like a million bucks. He’s also survived by his brother, Leonard M. Aquilino, and his companion, Ann Dlugozima. A kind man, a front porch fixture his neighbors will miss, he relished life, the people he found along the way, and tasty food (primarily Vito's Ristorante), though he savored his family and friends most. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11:00 am in St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt, NY. Instead of flowers, please send any gifts or contributions to the local VA or Francis House.

Armand Urbane Aquilino II

February 2, 1941 - April 23, 2025