Obituary of Patsy Possemato

Pasquale (Patsy) A. Possemato Sidney, NY After a long and blessed life, Pasquale (Patsy) A. Possemato, 86, of Sidney, was called to the Lord on Friday, June 5, 2009. He passed peacefully at home after an extended illness surrounded by his loving family. Born, April 9, 1923 in Hancock, NY, to Rocco P. and Theresa E. Possemato; he graduated from Hancock Central School in 1941. Lettering in four sports, he acquired the nickname "Jackrabbit", "Jack" for short, for his speed and agility on the field. He married longtime sweetheart Anna M. Possemato on October 15, 1944 in St. Paul's Catholic Church in Hancock. Patsy proudly served his country overseas as a Private First Class in the US Army during World War II. Stationed in Japan, he helped reconstruct bridges and cities destroyed during the war. He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Sidney. His faith and family were foremost in his life. He enjoyed most of all time spent with his devoted wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In life he asked nothing for himself; a selfless man who only wanted to do the best for his family. His love and dedication were evident in all of his endeavors. Patsy worked for Scintilla and Bendix Aviation Corp. in Sidney and retired after forty two years of service. In his retirement, he was able to follow his natural inclination for carpentry and woodworking, making many beautiful pieces of furniture. He held great pride in remodeling his home, adding rooms and comfort for his family. He enjoyed gardening as well, and shared his enthusiasm with family and friends. Fishing and hunting were relaxing pastimes in early years. An avid Yankee fan, he watched many baseball games with wife Annie and family. Patsy is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Susan Possemato of Tucson, AZ; his daughter and son-in-law, Regina and Joseph Steele of Stillwater; grandchildren Joseph (Kelley) Steele of Menands, Christie (Brian) Garland of Cohoes, Michael (Tammy) Steele of Okinawa, and Jason Steele of Stillwater; great-grandchildren, Jackson Steele, Aidan and Brodie Garland, Dominique and Bella Steele; sister Florence Vitale of Cadosia; brothers Frank (Elizabeth) Possemato of Hancock and Rocco (Helen) Possemato of East Branch; many loving nieces, nephews and Godson Ralph Possemato. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Anna Possemato; parents Rocco and Theresa E. Possemato, sister Irene Vitale and brother Ralph Possemato of Hancock. Family and friends are invited to call from 3:00-5:00pm on Sunday, June 7, 2009, with the family in attendance at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main Street, Sidney, NY 13838. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Monday, June 8, 2009 at the Sacred Heart Church, 15 Liberty Street, Sidney with the Rev. Fr. Gordon Polenz officiating. Burial will take place in St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery, Hancock, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive Oneonta, NY 13820 or to the charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.landersfh.com. The family acknowledges and thanks all those at Catskill Area Hospice, Delaware County for their help and support; especially GJ, Patsy's compassionate nurse; Amy and Christie, long time health care aides for their dedication to his care and comfort; George for timely thoughts and comforting words; and Kaima for her gentle therapy. All made it possible for Patsy to remain in his own home in comfort, being well cared for. Arrangements under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel 21 Main St. Sidney.