Stephen F. Cimino

Mr. Stephen F. Cimino, age 88, of Utica, passed away on Sunday September 12, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital Center with the love and support of his family.

He was born in Herkimer, NY on December 26, 1932 the son of the late Achielle and Anna Pugliese Cimino. Steve attended local schools and graduated from Utica College with a BS degree in Public Relations and Journalism. He was employed by the Utica Observer Dispatch for 27 years, 18 as a sports-writer and assistant sports editor of the Daily Press, where he was honored by receiving top New York State awards in sports layout and editing and column writing. He also was nominated for a National Volunteer Award. Besides his employment with the Utica Newspapers, Steve also worked for the City of Utica and as an executive assistant to former Assemblyman Ralph Eannace.

On October 13, 1956 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, he married the former Marguerite A. Paolozzi. The couple would have shared a blessed union of 65 years next month.

A US Navy Veteran (1955-1957), he served in the Public Information Office aboard the battleship USS Wisconsin BB 64, where he produced and edited the ship’s daily newspaper and other publications. He was a member of St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church where he served as a Eucharistic minister and lector for more than 35 years. He also served as president of the Parish Council and authored the 75th anniversary edition of the parish yearbook. Steve also was a member of Commandery #385, Knights of St. John International and Noble Degree, Rochester Temple. He was a first secretary-treasurer of the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame; former member of the National Harness Writers Association; former member of the America Newspaper Guild; chairman of the Utica Commission for the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution; chairman of the inaugural and second Christmas on Main Street holiday events, chairman of the first tri-county Betsy the Barge program and a Boilermaker volunteer for many years.

Surviving are his beloved wife Marge; his children Stephen and wife Christy Cimino of CA, Kathleen Gardner of Frankfort, Suzanne and husband Peter Niznik of Utica, Kenneth and wife Christine Cimino of SC, and Kristopher Cimino of Utica; his beloved grandchildren Noelle and Nicholas Juliano, Meghan and Dr. Mark Ilko, Mary Margaret Cimino and fiancé Joe Miller, Ryan Niznik, Julie and Jason Dinces, and Lynsey and Brandon Marryott. He was also awaiting the birth of his first great-grandchild in November; one sister Mary Teresa Mercurio; his in-laws Elsie Marshall, William and Kay Paolozzi, Frank Paolozzi, Vincent and Joan Paolozzi, Judy Paolozzi, and Sue Paolozzi.

He was predeceased by one sister, Sister Frances Anne Cimino, OFM, and his in-laws Rev. Joseph L. Paolozzi, Samuel and Eugene Paolozzi, Frank Mercurio, and Marvin Marshall.

The family will honor Steve in a private ceremony with the Rev. Mark Kaminski, officiating on Friday October 1, 2021. A mass will be said on Steve and Marge’s 65th anniversary, Wednesday October 13, 2021, at St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church in Utica at the 9:30 am daily mass. In memory of Steve, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.