ILION – John P. Tofani, age 73, formerly of Rome, and currently of Applewood Drive in Ilion, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, March 29, 2017, in the privacy and comfort of his home. He went to Heaven surrounded by the presence of his loving and supportive family at his bedside. Born on December 2, 1943, John was the son of the late Alfredo and Anna (Stellato) Tofani. He was raised and educated in Rome and was a graduate of Rome Free Academy with the Class of 1961. He went on to further his education at MVCC and then at Utica College, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. On July 11, 1964, John was wed to the love of his life, the former Joan Zeosky, in St. Peter’s Church, North Utica, and the couple shared in a blessed union of almost 53 years. John’s career began with Coopers and Lybrand Accounting in Syracuse, after which he spent fifteen years as the owner and operator of the Smith Lee Company in Oneida. He then purchased Fermer Precision in Ilion, NY, an endeavor which he spent 25 years building up until his retirement in 2010. In John’s youth he enjoyed all sports and played baseball, football and basketball where he was fondly known as “Ace”. He also enjoyed several years of coaching both Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. John was always fond of hunting with his favorite nephew, Dom, and also enjoyed golfing and fishing. He and his wife enjoyed playing games of chance and traveling together, as well as with his family and friends. John was happiest spending time as a family with his wife, children and grandchildren. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind, including his wife, Joan; his son, John Tofani, Jr. of Ilion; his daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Timothy Terry of Ilion; his grandchildren, Zachary Terry, Joshua Terry, Lainey Terry, John Tofani and Cecilia Tofani; and his brothers, Alfred Tofani of Liverpool and Leon Caporale of Rome. He is survived by a special aunt, Gemma Szmurlo; his brother-in-law, Joseph Zeosky; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. John also leaves behind his little buddy and canine companion, Junie. Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his sister, Beatrice Falcone; and his sisters-in-law, Katherine Tofani and Kay Zeosky. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s memory, may be made directly to his family, so that they may gift the charities which are close to John’s heart. Friends and relatives are invited to attend John’s funeral service which will commence on Thursday morning, April 6, 2017 at 11:00AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Utica, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Joseph Salerno, Pastor. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of mass. Inurnment will take place at Holy Trinity Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. All service arrangements have been entrusted to Martin Ciaccia and Harry and Kevin Enea, funeral directors of the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.