James F. Small

EAST HERKIMER – James F. Small, age 87, of East Herkimer, passed away Sunday, June 22nd, 2025, at Folts-Brook Center, where he had resided.

He was born on September 18th, 1937, in Utica, New York, the son of the late John Hans and Dorothy (Washburn) Small and graduated from Ilion Central High School. His educational journey began in Utica, went on to East Frankfort and after high school he attended Utica College, having been the recipient of a bachelor’s degree.

Jim was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He served our country around 1955 until 1958. His professional career led him to employment throughout the Mohawk Valley with notable companies such as UNIVAC, and MDS. His last full-time work from where he retired was with Phoenix Technology of Utica, New York, a division of PAR Technology (test equipment), as an electrical engineer.

On August 1st, 1959, he was married to the love of his life, Angela V. (Spiridigliozzi) Small, at St. Anthony’s Church in Herkimer, New York, with Rev. Gustav Purificato officiating. Jim and Angela spent their lives sharing unending love with their family and we especially remember playing many fun games of “pool” with dad and grandpa.

Jim enjoyed his summers riding motorcycle, and driving his convertible wherever and whenever, right up until he could not drive it any longer. He lived an adventurous life inspired by thrills such as hang-gliding, and even white-water rafting! Beyond all of this he would even enjoy the simplicity of the occasion of a nice walk within his community. He was an all-around great man.

Survivors include his beloved wife of nearly 66 years, Angela, his two children, Frances M. Small and John M. Spiri (his spouse Rika Spiri), his three grandchildren, Sean M. Small, Vincent Spiri, and Andre Spiri, and several nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as additional family Kathy Owens and Eddie Washburn.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, John & Dorothy, his cousin, who was like a brother Richard Lewis, and his wife’s brother and his spouse of whom he was close to, Kelly and Barbara Spiri.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, at 12:00 NOON at The Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street in Herkimer, New York, at which time a Catholic Funeral Home Prayer Service will be held. The interment service will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Herkimer, New York, with full military honors.

A calling hour visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, prior to the funeral services, from 11:00 AM until Noon. Family and friends are invited to the calling time and the funeral and cemetery services that follow.

It is the wish of the family that memorial contributions in loving memory of Jim be considered to either the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, 5015 Campuswood Drive, Suite 102, East Syracuse, New York 13057, or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home for these purposes.

Jim’s family wish to extend their sincerest appreciation to the 5th Floor Staff at Folts-Brook Center for their kindness and professionalism extended during this difficult time.

Jim’s funeral arrangements have been carried through with his friends at Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 866-1011. His obituary is available at the funeral home website by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.