MORRISVILLE – John F. Caezza, 80, formerly of Morrisville, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at his home in West Hartford, Conn.
He was born Jan. 5, 1929 in Norwich, the son of John and Jennie (Testa) Caezza.
John spent his early years in Norwich, moving to Holland Patent in 1946 and Morrisville in 1971, until 2007 when he moved to West Hartford, Conn.
John graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry in 1951, with a Master’s Degree in Science and Mathematics Education in 1952 and an Educational Doctorate from Syracuse University in 1969 in Curriculum Development and Supervision.
John was a veteran of the Korean War, serving as a special agent with the US Army Counter Intelligence Corps.
John was a science and math teacher at Holland Patent Central Schools from 1952-1961; later he was an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Mathematics at Mohawk Valley Community College, and a Professor of Chemistry and Chairman of the Health Technologies Division at SUNY – Morrisville. He had been the Executive Director of the Central New York Health Systems Agency from 1979 to 1991 making efforts to assure the availability and accessibility of health services delivered in a cost-effective manner. CNY HSA, under John’s leadership, became one of our nation’s leading health planning agencies.
After retiring, John was an active community member serving as the Supervisor for the Town of Eaton, a member of the Madison County Board of Supervisors, a Director of Hospice and Palliative Care Inc. of New Hartford, the Madison County Hospice Coalition, the Community Action Program of Madison County, the Morrisville Rotary, Citizens for Responsible Government and many others. He was honored in 2002 with the Roses for the Living award by the Rotary Club of Morrisville for his generous spirit and selfless service to his community.
He enjoyed his six grandchildren, baking bread, trying new recipes, clock collecting and repair, gardening, the annual October apple picking festival, fishing, Rotary Chicken BBQ “daubing” and spending time with friends.
Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Concepta “Connie” Zumbo; his children and their spouses, John O. and Dianne Caezza of Farmington, Conn., Kathleen Caezza and Dora Iles of Oneida, Mary (Caezza) and Jon Mills of Waltham, Mass.; his grandchildren – the lights of his life – Christopher, Jennifer, Jordan and Jamie Mills of Waltham, Mass., and John Charles and Thomas Caezza of Farmington, Conn.; his brother and wife, Joseph and Shirley Caezza, and his sister, Theresa Biviano, all of Norwich; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday at St. Agatha’s Church, Canastota. The Rev. James Quinn will celebrate the mass, and The Rev. Kevin Corcoran, pastor, will concelebrate. Burial will be in St. Agatha’s Cemetery, Canastota, in the spring. Calling hours were held Sunday from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota.
In his memory, contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413, with envelopes available at the funeral home.