Carmelo L. "Larry" Cracchiolo, 87, of Utica, passed away Friday, October 14, 2016 at The Pines at Utica, with his family by his side, listening to Frank Sinatra and Jerry Vale. He was born October 9, 1929, in Castelmare, Gondolfo, Sicily, the son of the late Gennaro and Leonarda Buccellato Cracchiolo and received his education in Brooklyn. He was a US Army veteran of the Korean War. In 1951, in Brooklyn, he married Kathleen A. Vitale. For many years, Mr. Cracchiolo was employed with the Utica City School District. After his retirement he worked at the Masonic Home. He was also very proud to serve as President of Local #173 Service Employees International Union. A good husband and father, strong in family values, he was very proud of his Italian heritage and never had a meal without making the Sign of the Cross, silently thanking God for all he had. Larry had a beautiful voice, loved to sing, could fix "anything" and was a very organized and orderly man. He was an avid sports fan, especially the NY Yankees and the NY Giants. Larry also enjoyed boxing and was nicknamed "Rocky" and "Kid Carl" in his Brooklyn days. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Kathleen; four children, Barbara (Jack) Bombace of Suffolk County, LI, Lawrence (Starlene) Cracchiolo of New Hartford, Lenora (Anthony) Murad of New Hartford and Robin (Michael) Kennedy of New Hartford; ten grandchildren, John (Xakira) Bombace, Kathleen (Robert) Arthurs, Larry (Megan) Cracchiolo, Domenica (Brian) Bumbolo, Joseph (Kayla) Cracchiolo, Maria (Dan) Blais, Francesca Murad, Anthony Murad, Jr., Michael (Megan) Kennedy, Jr. and Alexandra (Nick) Fiore; and twelve great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Brian Jordan; his grandson, Christopher Bombace; his brother, Sal; and three sisters, Mary, Josie and Mae. Per his wishes, a Mass will be celebrated at the convenience of the family. Private interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. There are no calling hours. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the entire staff of The Pines at Utica for all their care and compassion during his short stay with them. They would also like to thank Dr. Fred Talarico and Dr. Fayez Chahfe for all their care over the years. A very special thank you is also extended to our very special friends who visited Larry through the years in both good and difficult times. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity. Arrangements are with the Bentz Funeral Service, Inc., New Hartford.