Obituary of Pasquale J. Caramanna

Pasquale J. Caramanna, 77, of Adams, NY, passed away in his sleep in the early morning hours of February 5, 2016. Pat fought the fight against cancer, and the victory is his as he now rests peacefully with God. Pat was born on October 15, 1938, in Camden, NJ, the second son of Charles and Rose (Filippo) Caramanna. He grew up in South Jersey in the midst of a loving Italian – American family that included his older brother Charles and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Pat attended St. Joseph’s High School in Camden, NJ, and graduated in 1955 with Varsity Letters in football, basketball, and baseball. His athletic accomplishments in high school and at Perkiomen Prep School, Pennsburg, PA, led to offers of scholarships from a number of prestigious colleges. Pat chose to attend Syracuse University where he played football for four years and was a member of the 1959 National Championship Football Team. Pat earned a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Physical Education at Syracuse University and began his lifelong career in education as a teacher and coach at Liverpool High School, Liverpool, NY, then Fort Plain Central School, Fort Plain, NY. His career path led to administrative roles including High School Principal and Assistant Superintendent at Mexico Academy and Central School, Mexico, NY, Superintendent of Sackets Harbor Central School, and Director of Occupational Education and Adult Education at the Jefferson Lewis BOCES, Watertown, NY. In 1987, Pat was appointed Superintendent of Lyme Central School, Chaumont, NY, a position he held until his retirement in 1993. Throughout his time in education Pat served his students, staff, and community as a member of a number of organizations and guided the direction of high school sports in the North Country as president of the Frontier League. When retirement did not provide enough challenge, Pat assumed interim leadership roles at the Thousand Islands Girl Scout Council, Jefferson County Historical Society, Watertown, NY, and Indian River Central School District, Philadelphia, NY. Pat married Charlotte "Chickie" Barzee in Syracuse, NY, in 1959. Pat took on his favorite role as Dad to their four children Wendy, John, David, and Tricia. Though this marriage ended in divorce, Pat held dear the times spent with his family. On June 16, 1978, Pasquale J Caramanna married Lorraine Marie Baron of Fulton, NY, and for 37 years they journeyed through life together. Pat, his wife, and their daughter Jillian moved to Adams, NY, in 2003 where he embraced the community with wide open arms. Pat’s truck with its JILLSDAD license plates was easily recognizable in the parking lots of local businesses as he made the rounds for mocha iced coffee, newspapers, lottery tickets, and a treat for his dog Lola who waited patiently in the back seat. Pat’s boisterous entrance into the room could make anyone’s day bright and cheery. Pat lived life to the fullest and made every moment count. In early years he enjoyed snowmobiling and camping. Later on he added Carnival Cruises, boat trips up the Rideau Canal and around Henderson Harbor, an afternoon of horseracing at Saratoga, slot machines at the Turning Stone with his in-laws, and relaxing in his favorite living room chair. Pat could be found cheering at a sporting event, tapping his toes through a musical theater production, or rocking out at a concert. Some of his proudest moments came watching his daughter Jillian play basketball as a South Jeff Lady Spartan, and his grandchildren pursuing their dreams. Pat is survived by his devoted wife Lorraine, his children, Wendy and Brian Abbe of Cicero, NY, Patricia and Paul Johnson of Flower Mound, Texas, Jillian Rose Caramanna, of Delmar, NY, John F. Caramanna and Kristen Alibrandi of Cicero, David and Kristin Caramanna of North Syracuse, his brother and sister-in-law Charles and Patricia Caramanna of Tabernacle, NJ, his mother and father-in-law Edwin and Carmen Baron of Fulton, and brother-in-law Edward M. Baron of Oswego. Carrying on his legacy will be his ten wonderful grandchildren, Maria, Christopher, Courtney, and Mark Abbe, Adam, Sydney, and Spencer Caramanna, Kendall and Brooke Johnson, and Avery Caramanna. Pat leaves behind a multitude of friends including Kevin Seymour, Dr. Patrick and Caren Lanigan, John Roberts, Robert Hurley, Peter and Ann Trowbridge, John and Cheryl Clark, John and Linda Sheeran, and his ever faithful black lab Lola. Pat was a communicant of St. Cecilia’s Church where he found strength, guidance, and grace in the love of God and the parish family. He was a man loved, respected, and admired for his kind, compassionate, unselfish ways. Calling hours will be on Sunday, February 7, 2016, at the Piddock Funeral Home from 1 – 4 pm. His funeral will be at St. Cecilia’s Church on Monday, February 8 at 10:30 am with the Rev. Martin Cline and Rev. Patrick Ratigan celebrating Mass. Pat’s family wishes to thank Dr. John Poggi and staff, Dr. Collins Kellogg, staff and his entire team of doctors, Nicole Garnsey with Feed the Soul Nutrition, and Dr. Seema Bhat and Ian Lund at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute for their compassionate care and love. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Cecilia’s Church Youth Group, 17 Grove Street, Adams, NY 13605, The Lyme Lights Relay for Life Team, Lyme Central School, PO Box 219, Chaumont, NY 13622, or the charity of your choice.