Obituary of Albert E. Evans, Jr.

      It is with profound sadness, the family announces the peaceful passing of Albert E. Evans, Jr., on January 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 80 years old.

     Albert was born on February 22, 1943, in Utica, the son of Albert, Sr. and Lula (Seelman) Evans. He was raised in Utica and was a graduate of St. Francis De Sales High School. On December 17, 1962, Albert and his best friend Dan, decided to enlist in the US Navy. He was stationed in New London, CT aboard the USS Fulton, until his honorable discharge in 1966. On June 25, 1966, Albert was joined in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Katherine (Kathy) Sayles and the couple recently celebrated 57 years of marriage.

     After Albert’s discharge from the Navy, he became employed with Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company and later with Orion Bus Industries until his retirement. Never one to sit at home, he joined the VFW post 6001 and became a bartender where he made many new and lasting friendships. Albert loved watching many sports and was an avid NY Yankees and Syracuse basketball and football fan. He could tell you all the history from his Yankees teams over the years. He also loved playing a game of pitch and played in the VFW league until his illness this past October.

     Albert loved sharing his "mancave" garage with family and friends listening to old 45s on his jukebox , while singing along and enjoying a utica club. Many memories were made hosting huge picnics, complete with bonfires and games such as "capture the flag".

     At quiet times Albert always had a 2000 piece puzzle started and the NYT crossword puzzle. He would compete on Sundays with his sister Wendy to see who finished first and they both would solved their puzzles in ink.  He leaves a legacy of beautiful  happy times by a man whom everyone loved. All of us will miss him terribly.   

     Mr. Evans is survived by his beloved wife, Katherine; daughter and son-in-law, Carolanne and Dominick Garofalo, III of Virginia Beach, VA; son, Christopher Evans and Theresa Graziadei of Remsen; five cherished grandchildren, Christopher Evans, Jr. and his fiancee Lajiana Chastine, Corey Evans, Kailey Garofalo, Taylor Garofalo and Camryn Garofalo; one adored great grandson, Isaac Evans; five sisters and three brothers-in-law, Bonnie and Daniel Hebert of Utica, Linda Twomey of Kennedale, TX, Diane and Daniel Damiano of Whitesboro, Donna Planty of Utica and Cynthia and Bill Lehner of Frankfort; one brother, and sister-in-law, Stuart and Sue Evans of Whitesboro; his aunt, Irene Camardo of Utica one sister-in-law and two brothers-in-law, Sally and Terry Fike of Rome, NY and Thomas Sayles of N. Utica as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Lula and two sisters and two brother-in-law, Carol Evans, Wendy and Rocco Benedetto and Terry Twomey

     Visitation for family and friends is Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, followed by a service and military honors at 2:00 p.m. at the conclusion of visitation. The family cordially invites all to join them for a celebration of Albert’s life on Saturday, February 10th from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at VFW post 6001 45 Calder Ave., Yorkville, NY.

     Those wishing to donate in Albert’s memory, please consider VFW post 6001.

     Albert’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses in the ICU at Wynn Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion you provided to Albert.