Armando A. Seccurra, age 96, of Rome, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 16, 2018.
He was born May 24, 1921, in Rome, the youngest child of the late Salvatore and Rose DiSiena Seccurra. He was a graduate of Rome Free Academy, Class of 1939. He proudly served as Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II as a member of the 3921st Signal Service Company attached to the 5th Marine Division, 5th Amphibious Corps unit on Iwo Jima. His personal photographs were instrumental in the United States Military learning that there was an Army unit embedded with the Marines on Iwo Jima. Army was given Congressional Recognition of his service. He was also a recipient of the Bronze Star and a Certificate of Achievement for exceptional meritorious service. He was inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame in 2017.
On November 18, 1950, he married the former Rose Franco, a union of 43 years until she passed away in 1993. He was employed for over 46 years at Rome Manufacturing. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Church. His religion was an important part of his life.
One of the great joys of his life was his love of gardening. He enjoyed his flowers and raising his own vegetables. He was a board member of the Garden Club of Rome. As an active member of the Knights of Columbus most of his adult life, achieving the third degree, he enjoyed calling out bingo numbers every Wednesday evening. When he wasn’t reading or completing a sudoku puzzle, he could be found every day in the pool or weight room at the YMCA; where he made wonderful friends and looked forward to his daily greeting of Happy Monday, Tuesday, etc.
He became an accomplished cook and baker in his later years but his greatest enjoyment was being a mentor and role model for his three children and his six grandchildren. Attending every sporting event he could, regardless of the weather, Army could be seen on the bleachers, making sideline calls and giving advice to his grandkids. He received great pleasure out of helping people and making them feel happier having known him.
Armando is survived by his two daughters and sons-in-law, Rosanne and Dr. John J. Mastrangelo, Rome; Susan and Wayne Miller, Rochester; one son and daughter-in-law, Armand and JoAnne Seccurra, Sherrill; 6 cherished grandchildren , Dr. John and Shannon Mastrangelo, Latham; Robert Mastrangelo and his partner, Jillian Bovi, Rome; Matthew and Briana Mastrangelo, Rome; Robert Miller, Jeffrey Miller, Rochester; Lauren Seccurra and her fiancé, Nick Weber, Rome; 2 great-grandchildren, twins Nicolina and John Mastrangelo, Latham and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by several sisters and brothers: Angeline Curcio, Katherine Greico, Elvira DeSantis, Jane LoRocco, Josephine Taverna, Marie Spoon, Anna Seccurra and Frank and John Seccurra.
The family sincerely offers a heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of Willow Wing at Presbyterian Nursing Home in New Hartford for the care and love shown to Army.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:00 am from Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, and a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio, at 11:00 am, at the Church of St. John the Baptist. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Wednesday 4 to 7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to : Wounded Warrior Project, P.O.Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.
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