Carmen M. Graziano

Carmen M. Graziano, 78, former Traffic Safety Director and DWI Coordinator for Oneida County, entered into eternal life on Friday, January 18, 2008, at the Masonic Care community with his beloved family at his bedside. He was born in Utica, the youngest son of Manuel and Laura Trasatti Graziano, and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On September 12, 1953, Carmen married the former Louise Santamaria who passed away on December 1, 2003. He served his country in the Army from 1951 to 1953. Carmen was employed by Oneida County for 38 years. He was a family court collector, Director of Traffic Safety and the DWI Coordinator from 1980 to 1993 under County Executives John D. Plumley, Sherwood Boehlert and Raymond Meier. In addition to being a loyal Yankee fan, he lived his adult life as a seasoned politician, having served as committee person and Ward Chairman of East Utica's old 8th Ward and as a member of the Oneida County Republican Executive Committee. He served as a mentor to many friends who were elected to office and enjoyed telling them time after time, "I made you". Carmen served his community as a former President of the Board of Utica Transit Authority, as an officer of CSEA Union for Oneida County and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Oneida County Employees Federal Credit Union. He served his parish community at St. Anthony's as festival chairman and as a member of the Knights of St. John Commandery 385. His rough voice was no match for the love and compassion he had for his family who will miss him dearly. Left to mourn Carmen are his three daughters, Loretta (Laurie) Cremer and Tom Veinot, Marie Fraccola and Dina Graziano, all of Utica; his three sons, John Graziano and Carmen and Judy Graziano, both of Utica, and Richard (Ricky) and Debbie Graziano of Clinton; his beloved brother and sister-in-law, Thomas C. and Josephine Graziano, Utica; his son-in-law, Louis Fraccola; his grandchildren, Lisa, Jennifer, Andrea and Shawn, Stephanie, Robert, Katie and Sarah; his great-grandchildren, Madison, Gabriella, Maria, Mikayla, Julian, Matthew, Michael and Landon; his aunt, Antoinette (Netta) Emrich; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and family friend, Mark Yozzo. He was predeceased by two children, Gabriella and Carmen. The Graziano family extends a special thank you to the Mannhatten wing and the Masonic Care Community as a whole for the outstanding care, compassion and courtesies extended to them. The family also acknowledges Dr. Eldredge and Dr. Tisch, and the dialysis unit of Faxton-St. Luke's for their kindness and good care given to Carmen. Carmen's family members are deeply appreciative to Honorable Anthony F. Shaheen and Angelo F. Amodio for their continued friendships with Carmen. Carmen's funeral will be held on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. from the Bentz & Amodio Funeral Service, Inc., 470 French Rd., Utica/New Hartford, and at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Interment will be in the family plot in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours for family and friends will be from 2-5 p.m., Sunday (today), at the funeral home. Please omit floral offerings.

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