Mr. John R. Casaletta, 85 of New Hartford passed away on Saturday August 29, 2009 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in New Hartford. John was born in Utica on May 23, 1924 the son of George and Genevieve (DeSimone) Casaletta and received his education in Utica Schools. He honorably served in the US Army during WW II. John married Eleanor Zurakowski and after her passing was married to Stella Mlynarski Ezman. John terribly missed his beloved wife Stella after her death in 2001 and visited her grave daily until sickness prevented his from doing so. For many years he was employed as painting crew foreman with the NY State Department of Transportation until his retirement in 1981. John was a member of Our Lady of The Rosary Church, New Hartford, American Legion Utica Post 229, National Riffle Association, Moose Club and was on the Board of Directors at the North Utica Senior Center. He was an avid NASCAR fan and attended every Daytona 500 from 1959 till 2003. He was a caring and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mr. Casaletta is survived by two step daughters, Sharon Wameling and her husband David of Bridgeport, NY and Linda Warchal and her husband Michael of SC; three step-sons, Leon Ezman and his wife June of TN, Stanley Ezman and his wife Janet of Sherrill, NY and Gary Ezman and his wife Susan of KY; 8 cherished grandchildren, Theresa Ancone and her husband Dr. Leonard of Jamesville, NY, Joseph Wameling and his wife Tracey of Ilion, Amanda Hatfield and her husband Joe of Sherrill, Joshua Ezman, Zachary Ezman and Jordan Ezman all of Sherrill, Dan Coccia of CA and Lee Warchal and his wife Jessica of NC; three beloved great grandchildren, Thomas Fletcher, Madelyn Ancone and Steven Wameling; one brother, George Casaletta of N. Utica; a brother-in-law, Fred Zurakowski and his wife Patty of Utica and two nieces, Diane Schuff and Susan Slocum both of Clark Mills. Mr. Casaletta's funeral will be held on Wednesday September 2, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Our lady of The Rosary Church on Burrstone Rd., in New Hartford. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro. In keeping with John's wishes there are no public calling hours. Those wishing to make a donation in John's memory, please consider the North Utica Senior Center. Mr. Casaletta's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Tisch and Dr. Lin for the wonderful care you provided to John. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heintz Funeral Service., Inc., N. Utica.