Obituary of Patricia A. Sullivan

ILION:  Patricia A. Sullivan, “Patti” age 76, beloved wife of Charles Sullivan, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, September 11, 2017 at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown.

She was born on May 30, 1941 in Little Falls, NY, a daughter of the late Myles and Catherine (Chomiak) Bronson. She proudly attended West Canada Valley schools and was a graduate with the ‘Class of 1959.’ Patti went on to attend Utica School of Commerce where she received her degree in Accounting. Her marriage to Charles W. Sullivan took place at the United Methodist Church in Ilion on October 31, 1976. Patti worked for many years with Bank of America in Utica, NY, namely as an Accounting Specialist.

Patti embraced the community that she so dearly loved and always maintained strong leadership and ethics. Simply said, she overwhelmingly shared a generous nature and worked hard for her trend setting professional and personal accomplishments. Patti was elected the first female Exalted Ruler of Herkimer Elks Lodge #1439 in 2008 and 2016.   She was honored as “Elk of the Year” in 2011. Patti instituted four important programs, which are still in use today.  As Chairperson of the Grant Program, she was instrumental in securing thousands of dollars to benefit local charities.  Patti was honored by WCNY of Syracuse, NY as “Women Who Make a Difference in New York State.”  She was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2015, awarded to her by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney in Albany.  Patti was an avid volunteer for the Ilion Food Pantry and was instrumental in securing a grant for the Herkimer County Food Pantry.  As we all know, Patti loved to relax and spend time with friends at the Turning Stone Casino.

She is survived by her beloved husband Charles “Chuck,” her children, Deborah Karpiak – Weston and her companion David Echard of Ilion, Nancy McNiel and her husband Kyle of Sylvan Beach, Elizabeth Graml of Ilion, Robin DiPietro and her companion Jay Smithson of Columbia Center and Kevin C. Sullivan and his wife Karen of Branford, Florida; her grandchildren, Shannon Connors and her husband Clancy, Jacob Weston and his companion Libby Blair, Travis McNiel and his wife Maria, Derek McNiel and his wife Kayla, Crystal Graml and her fiancée Lakota Benedict, Faith Graml, Victoria Graml, and Tommy Graml; six great – grandchildren, her brothers William Bronson and his wife Nancy of Mohawk, Dennis Bronson of Georgia, and Ronald Bronson, along with several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Destiny Graml and a brother Richard Bronson.

Patricia's funeral arrangements have been planned with Harry J. Enea, Jr., Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors of the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, NY (Town of Frankfort) 315-894-8000.  There will be calling hours at the funeral home on Sunday September 17, 2017 from 2 until 5 PM. The calling hours will conclude with a ritualistic service offered by the Herkimer Elk’s Lodge members. Those wishing to remember Patti in a special way are asked to consider a donation in her memory to the Herkimer Elk’s Scholarship Fund. Envelopes will be available in a professional manner at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home.

Patti’s family is grateful for her many friends and to the Bassett Healthcare for the care and compassion offered. Those wishing to offer an online note of sympathy may visit www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.