Obituary of Paul A. Destito

Paul A. Destito, age 72, of Rome, passed away peacefully at home, December 25, 2011, with his loving family at his side. He was born November 21, 1939, in Rome, a son of the late Rosario P. and Helen Salce Destito, and graduated from Rome Free Academy. Paul was united in marriage to the former Patricia A. Taverna, on March 30, 1957. He worked for several trucking companies and retired from the Yellow Freight Trucking Co; he also participated in the family business, Don's Auto Recycling Center. He was a member of the St. Joseph's Church in Lee Center, Rome Outboard Boating Club, Trailbusters Snowmobile Club, Galliano Club, Lee Center Rod and Gun Club, and a former union steward for the Teamsters Union. Paul was a loving, caring and generous family man who also was gifted with a great sense of humor. He enjoyed the many years of camping, boating and fishing with his family and his many friends. Paul is survived by his wife, Patricia; three sons and daughters in law, Paul S. and Carolyn Destito of Hobe Sound, FL, Richard A. and Valerie Destito of Rome, and Mark A. and Theresa Destito of Lee Center; a sister and brother in law, Carol and Robert Pardy of Highland, NY; grandchildren, Michael, Timothy and Antonio Destito, Nicholas and Ross Destito, Erin Destito and Audrey Ferreira, and her husband Douglas; sisters in law and brothers in law, Diane Prestopnik of Port St. Lucie, FL, Jeanette and John Dominic of Rome, Cecelia and Frank Giardino of Rome, and Joseph and Linda Taverna of Floyd; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Janice Destito, a brother, Russell E. Destito and in laws Joseph D. and Josephine Taverna.. The family wishes to sincerely thank Fr. James Tormey for his Spiritual guidance and comfort, and to Dennis, JoAnn and Jillian Gardner for their many years of friendship and compassion extended to Paul. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:00 AM from the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, and at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph's Church in Lee Center. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Wednesday 4 to 8 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.