Russell A. Lupi

Mr. Russell A. Lupi age 69, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday July 19, 2023 in Syracuse, NY, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease with his beloved family by his side.

He was born in Utica on June 22, 1954, the son of the late Amedeo and Marie Lupi. On October 19, 1990, he married the love of his life and best friend, Dawn Catera, in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, a blessed union of over 32 years.

Russell is survived by his wife Dawn Lupi; his son Amedeo Lupi; his daughters, Sara Lupi and fiancée Paul Dewey and Claire Lupi and Joshua Shipley; three grandchildren Al, Rose and Amara; two sisters and brothers-in-law Annette and Joseph Broski and Donna and Keith Fountain; his niece Candice Cosker and his two nephews Aaron Fountain and Adam Broski; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Damian and Trish Catera; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Amedeo and Marie Lupi, his sister Dianne Lupi, and his mother and father in-law Carmela and Santo Catera.

Upon graduation from Notre Dame High School, Russell went on to attain his Bachelor’s degree from Rosary Hill College in Amherst, NY, and he then received two Master’s Degrees from Buffalo State University and SUNY Albany.

Russell began his career as a probation officer with the Oneida County Probation Dept. before becoming a social worker with the NYS DDSO. Russell then spent the rest of his career with Oneida-Madison BOCES as a School Social Worker in Alternative Education, a position he held for over 20 years where he was honored to be a trusted counselor to his students. Russell was also a Mason belonging to the Oriental-Faxton Lodge and upon retirement, was a proud volunteer for Mother Maryann’s Soup Kitchen, spending his days giving back to the community he loved.

Born to be a social worker, he truly saw the good in everyone he met and every situation he was put in. Russell was passionate about helping others and being there for anyone in need, whether it be his friends, family, students, or a stranger he just met – he was a loving friend to all.

Russell cherished being surrounded by his family more than anything. He enjoyed countless trips to the beach with his girls in Pawley’s Island, SC and was blessed to travel to Europe on many vacations with his wife and siblings. He spent his life taking care of his family, enjoying plenty of home cooked meals, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills.

A loving and dedicated husband, father, brother, and uncle, his family will miss him beyond words and will forever hold his memory and caring spirit in their hearts.

His Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, July 24th at 10:00 am in St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church, Utica. Private interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Sunday July 23rd from 2-4 pm at The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home Inc. 1122 Culver Ave. Utica. 

The family would like to extend a sincere Thank You to the caregivers of 4 North at Community General Hospital in Syracuse for their loving care and compassion for Russell during our most difficult days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mother Maryann’s Soup Kitchen in Utica.

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