Obituary of Albert Joseph Caranci

Albert J. Caranci Gilbertsville, NY Albert J. Caranci, 74, passed away at Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, New York on Friday, June 5, 2009. He was born May 16, 1935, in North Providence, Rhode Island, the son of John Peter and Rose Marie Caranci. Al served in the Rhode Island National Guard from 1952 to 1957, obtaining the rank of Battalion Motor Sergeant. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1961, also achieving the rank of Sergeant. A highly skilled craftsman, Al worked in his early career as an auto mechanic, as a journeyman tinsmith, and in construction and carpentry. From 1964 to 1994 he was employed as a surveyor by the Los Angeles County Public Works Department. From 1962 to 1979, Albert was married to Carolyn Perry. On August 19, 1984, he married Jane Evelynne Higgins in Brea, California. Following his retirement in 1994, he and his wife relocated to Otsego County, New York, settling in Gilbertsville in 1995. A loving and devoted husband and father, Albert was a very friendly, outgoing man with a generous spirit. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his many acts of kindness, and his willingness to help others. After his retirement, Albert enjoyed working at and teaching the fine craft of leaded stained glass. He was especially proud of the restoration work he had done on antique windows on a number of churches in the region. Al was a member of Zion Episcopal Church in Morris. He was a volunteer fireman with the Gilbertsville fire department, served as an ambulance driver for the Gilbertsville Emergency Squad, and was an advisor to the explorer scouts. In addition, he was a member of GAGA (Gilbertsville Arts, Gilbertsville Artists). Albert was predeceased by his brother, John Anthony Caranci, Sr., in 1996. He is survived by Jane, his wife of 24 years, a son and daughter-in-law, David and Dayna Caranci, and two grandsons, Joshua and Jacob Caranci of Yorba Linda, California. Al is also survived by his sister, Philomena Hinesley of Murrieta, California; 4 nephews, 2 nieces, and a number of grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and several cousins. Calling hours will be at Jane and Albert's home in Gilbertsville from 4 to 7 pm, Wednesday, June 10th. The funeral will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 11th, at Zion Episcopal Church, Morris, with the Rev. Robert Witt officiating. Immediately following the memorial service, burial will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Unadilla. Funeral arrangements were made through C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney, NY. Albert loved the community of Gilbertsville very much, and the family requests that memorial contributions be made to either the Gilbertsville Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 181, Gilbertsville, NY 13776, or Eagle Fire Engine & Hose, P.O. Box 72, Gilbertsville, NY 13776.