Mr. James E. O'Toole, 81, of N. Utica passed away on Sunday August 28, 2011 in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side. James was born in Utica on January 27, 1930 the son of James E. and Lauretta (Fauss) O'Toole. He was raised in Utica and attended Utica Free Academy. A true American patriot, James honorably served in the US Army during the Korean War. On February 13, 1975, James married Barbara Kerwin Zarnock in Waterville, NY, a loving union of 32 years until Barbara's death in 2007 . James was employed as an insurance agent and later as a sales clerk with Nichol's Department Store. In his early, years, James was owner and operator of O'Toole's Garage in N. Utica. His love of being a mechanic, devotion to his trade and unmatched pride in his work, enabled him to help countless individuals, and because of his generous nature, often provided the work free of charge for those folks who were unable to pay. This same devotion and deep love for children, allowed James to become a foster parent, giving many children the precious gift of loving parents and a safe home to grow up in. He was a member of American Legion Utica Post 229, N. Utica, enjoyed woodworking, was an avid NY Yankee fan, animal lover and a big collector of John Wayne memorabilia. James was of the Catholic Faith. Mr. O'Toole is survived by his beloved children, Kelly and Dominick Velardi of N. Utica, Nicki and Richard Alsante of Frankfort, Lori and James Potrzeba of Whitesboro, James E. and Karen O'Toole of N. Utica, Jodi Carlesimo of Chicago, IL and Kayla O'Toole of New Hartford; two step-children Donna & David Dellecese of Utica and Michael and Tina Zarnock of Deerfield; 16 cherished grandchildren, Nicholas and Jonann and Aaron and Bradley Velardi, Jerry and Stephanie and Lexie Alsante, Michael and Matthew Potrzeba, James E. O'Toole and Alyssa Kirley, Frank, Jessica and Nina Marie Carlesimo, David and Megan and Daniel and Tara Dellecese and Christopher and Cody Zarnock; a sister, Nancy LaVine of N. Utica; longtime friend, Dennis Carr of Deerfield; 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Rose Margaret Meyers and Sheila Moore and one brother, Robert O'Toole. Mr. O'Toole's funeral will be held on Wednesday August 31, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home 1517 Whitesboro St. Utica. Interment, with military honors ,will follow in St. Stanislaus & Casimir Cemetery in Whitesboro. Calling hours for family and friends are Tuesday (today) from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in James' memory, please consider Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. or the Veterans Hospital in Syracuse. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. O'Toole's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. and to Jill at the VA Hospital in Syracuse for the wonderful care and compassion provided to James.