SCHENEVUS - Carl J. Tessitore, 90, passed away September 7, 2011 in the company of his family and very supportive Hospice and A.O. Fox Nursing Home staff.

He was born December 15, 1920 in Schenevus. He was the son of Joseph and Anna (Stalata) Tessitore.


He married Virginia Granati on April 25, 1948 in Schenevus.


Carl responsibly supported his family during The Great Depression at a time that was very trying and difficult for many people. This brought about values he carried his entire life and instilled on his own family. He worked on many construction projects during his early life, such as the then new Schenevus School, the expansion and enlargement of many sections of Route 20 and the building and improvements to the many roads in the town of Maryland.


Carl along with his brothers faithfully and proudly served their country during World War II. He was in many battles and endured insurmountable hardship. This time of his life was only discussed on very rare occasions. He always felt great pride and honor in having served and made many lasting friendships.


Upon returning to the civilian life Carl worked for the D&H Railroad for nearly 20 years, eventually finding employment with the Otsego County Highway Department where he worked for 27 years as a regional foremen, being responsible for many miles of county highway which he proudly maintained with the utmost concern for the public safety. Carl also was a very accomplished mason among his other talents and was always willing to give anyone assistance who merely asked.


The most proudest of Carl's achievements was his service to the Schenevus Fire Department having been a member since 1938. He always spoke of the many homes he helped save and the accident calls he responded to giving assistance to those in need. The many friendships he made and shared with his fellow members was always a bond he cherished and never forgot those that went before him.


Carl is survived by his three sons and their families, Edward of Clifton Park, Eugene and his wife, Brenda, and their daughters, Erika of Schenevus and Rebecca and (Fiancé) Dominic Brent of Otego, Douglas and his wife, Tracy and their son, Nathan of Oneonta. He had the deepest love for his grandchildren who occupied a large part of his life and was always concerned for their safety and wellbeing. He is survived by his sister, Antoinette Catanzano of Arlington, Mass. and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by Virginia, his wife of 61 years; 4 bothers, Joseph, Frank, Peter, and his twin brother, Donald; 4 sisters, Vera Montibello, Mary Bononza, Rose Kenyon and Angie Sabatino.


Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, September 12, 2011 at the Heller Funeral Home, 25 Arch St., Schenevus.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 13th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Main St., Worcester, with the Rev. John Roos, retired, as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, with military honors.


The Tessitore family would like to thank the many wonderful and thoughtful people at the A.O. Fox Hospital Nursing Home, Unit III, and Hospice for their exceptional care and loving devotion that they have shown to our father during a very difficult time. The staff was extremely supportive in our time of need and showed the warmest compassion and understanding.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Condolences to the family may be sent to www.hellerfuneralhome.com