Peter F. Caroli's Obituary
Peter F. “Pete” Caroli, 84, of Clay, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Pete was born in Utica, NY to the late Pietro and Carmela (Cisternino) Caroli, attended Utica Catholic Academy, and was an excellent athlete in baseball and basketball. Pete went on to coach girls basketball, producing several championship teams at both St. Peter's in Utica and St. Rose Of Lima in North Syracuse. He served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany and France during the building of the Berlin Wall. He later became a proud member of the American Legion Post 787, Italian American War Veteran-John Venditti Post #1 and DAV member Coonley-Nojaim Memorial #30.
He worked as a customer service agent for 40 years, serving various airlines including Mohawk Airlines, Allegheny, and US Airways. Pete was a player and manager in the over 80-year-old men’s softball league and was an avid gardener. He always looked forward to breakfast on Friday with his crew and regular dinner dates with his wife, Stephanie. Pete cherished time spent with his beloved sidekick, Jolie the Shih Tzu but more than anything loved spending time with his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. He never missed a sporting event and was their #1 fan.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his son, Michael Caroli and his siblings, Maria (Mike) Juliano, Sister Frances Marie OSF, Joseph (Jeannie) Caroli, Bertha (Rocco) Taurisani, Nick (Doris) Caroli, and Jane (Richard) Derminio.
Pete is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Stephanie (Mazzola) Caroli; his children, Elaine (Robert) Polak, Peter (Jill) Caroli, and Anthony Caroli; his grandchildren, Olivia and Julianna Caroli, Jarek and Jacek Polak, and Silvio and Tino Caroli; his special friend and best man at his wedding, Fran DeJoseph; his Shih Tzu, Jolie; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital ICU for their professionalism, compassion, and care.
Visitation will take place from 3:00 – 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse. A funeral mass in celebration of Pete’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 16, 2025 in St. Rose of Lima Church, 409 S. Main St., North Syracuse. Interment will follow in North Syracuse Cemetery.
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