Patrick "Pat" Cirillo

MOHAWK - Patrick “Pat” Cirillo, 96, formerly of Mohawk, passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023. He was a resident of The Grand, in Ilion. Pat fought a long and difficult battle with dementia over his last years, but never gave up that fight!

Born on March 23, 1924, at home, in Mohawk, he was the son of the late Victoria Cristello Cirillo and Joseph Cirillo, who both came straight from Italy.

Pat was a World War II Veteran, leaving high school early to enlist in the US Army and was assigned to the 1st Armored Division and fought in the European Theater, seeing action in Germany as a member of a tank unit and was honorably discharged as Private First Class, in November 1946. He returned to Mohawk where he received his high school diploma.

He married Dolores Taffi Cirillo, on December 31, 1949, a union that lasted over 54 years, until her passing, in February of 2004. This union was blessed with his only child, JoAnne, who he always referred to as his favorite daughter, due to his sense of humor.

Pat came from a large family consisting of 7 siblings, him being the baby of the family. He was predeceased by all his siblings: sisters, Mary Storino, Theresa Sanzo and Jennie Gillette; and his brothers, Frank Cirillo, Michael Cirillo, Joseph Cirillo, Jr., and Dominick Cirillo.

Pat worked for the Library Bureau for the first 5 years on his return from the War and then became an employee of the US Postal Service as a letter carrier and finished his career as a rural carrier. He retired at the age of 55, after 32 years and certainly got the most of out of his retirement, collecting his pension longer than he worked, which he casually mentioned in conversation from time to time, again, showing his sense of humor, “sticking it to the man”.

After retiring from the Postal Service, Pat went to work at the former Ilion High School, in the cafeteria. Affectionally known as “Mr. Pat”, he thoroughly enjoyed working with the lunch ladies staff and made many good friends while employed there. He also went on to drive for Birnie Bus for 15 years, another job that he enjoyed during his retirement.

Pat was of the Catholic Faith and attended the Blessed Sacrament Church, in Mohawk. He was a life member of the DAV and former member of the American Legion in Mohawk.

Anyone that knew Pat, knew he enjoyed playing the ponies at OTB with his brother, Joe, enjoyed making the “deal” on a new vehicle, sometimes more than once per year and listening to the big band sounds in his new vehicles. He was often compared to being a doppelganger for Tony Bennett and he thought that was pretty cool.

Pat was affectionally known as “Moose” by his nephews, Son in Law, and members of his extended family, a name that nobody can recall the origin of.

Pat was extremely proud of his grandchildren, Ashley and Kyle and their athletic (both high school and college) and career accomplishments, often asking what their status was and how they were doing with everything.

Pat is survived by his only child, JoAnne Stephens and her husband, John, of Ilion; his granddaughter, Ashley Darling and her husband, Ethan, of Frankfort; his grandson, Kyle and his girlfriend, Kelsey, of Charlotte, NC; his great-granddaughter, MaKenna Darling; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 71 E. Main St., Mohawk, NY 13407, starting at 10 a.m., with full military honors and burial to follow at the Mohawk Cemetery, Columbia St., Mohawk. A reception will follow at the John Fitzer Field (Ilion Volunteer Fire Department Building) 39 Pleasant Ave., in Ilion, following the cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions can be made in Pat’s memory to the Blessed Sacrament Church Office, 228 S. Main St., Herkimer, NY 13350

Pat’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors.