Thomas J. 'Sonny' Cerciello

Thomas J. Cerciello of Milford died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, at Good Samaritan Hospital. He was 85.

Son of the late Gaetano and Rose Esposito Cerciello, he was born May 18, 1930 in Brooklyn.

He worked as a butcher for 60 years in Brooklyn, Port Jervis and Dingman’s Ferry.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Matamoras and a past-member of the Milford Lions Club.

A family statement read: “Thomas was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, and everyone’s “Uncle Sonny." He was very generous, offering a helping hand to all and putting everyone first. Sonny was a great story teller and enjoyed writing short stories in his spare time. He will be greatly missed.”

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Lydia Cerciello, at home; two sons, Thomas R. Cerciello and Jean Carofano of Dingman's Ferry and Michael A. Cerciello and Kimberly of Tafton; daughter, Rose Mary A. Cerciello of Rock Hill, S.C.; grandchildren, Eric Finlay, Melissa and Randy Lewis, Gina and Andrea Cerciello, Taylor Borrero, Andrew and Carly Cerciello; great-grandchildren, Gwyn Finlay, Preston Finlay, Dylan Lewis and Aidyn; sisters, Frances Cirincione and Clara Babajko, both of Staten Island; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Vincent and Joseph Cerciello; and two sisters, Felicia and Antoinette.

Visitation was held at the GRAY-PARKER FUNERAL HOME, 100 East Main Street Port Jervis on Monday, December 28, 2015 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Funeral services were held Dec. 29 with a prayer at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Matamoras. The Rev. Gregory Kelly officiated. Burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial & Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, T.N. 38105-1942 or to St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 307 Avenue F., Matamoras, PA 18336.