ALBERT "AL" F. ANTONINI

Albert “AL” Fredrick Antonini passed January 1st at the Francis House with his loving family support. Born and raised in Solvay to the late Antonio & Margarita Antonini. Albert was a graduate of Solvay High School and School of Management at Syracuse University. He served in the U.S. Navy 1950-1954 during the Korean War In the 7th Fleet aboard the USS Gilbert Islands ship in the Pacific Theatre. Albert had an outstanding career of 44 years working at Blue Cross and Blue Shield CNY, spending the last 16 years as its President and CEO. He personally founded the Caring Program for Children Foundation which was the first and only one of its kind in New York State to offer free health care to needy children. This later became NYS Child Health Plus Program. Al initiated a very successful program at Elmwood Elementary School that helps students from a poor neighborhood become better students and teaches them how to make better choices and use of their time. He played a key role in establishing the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) where used to serve on the foundation board and funded the long time Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner. He served as treasurer of the United Way of CNY Board of Directors and was honored as the 2004 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Al served as Chairman of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center Council of Advisors and as Secretary of the Visiting Nurse Association Systems Board of Directors. A Great city, county and state is only as Great as those persons who give exemplary service to their community. And Uncle was Definitely one of our Giants. Al’s community involvement continued after his retirement despite being legally blind from Macular Degeneration and severe hearing loss from the big guns of war. He was dedicated to Francis House and its mission to provide end of life care for terminally ill individuals. He was a member of the Tyrol Club of Solvay for over 70 years and former member of the Century Club. He loved to travel the United States and visited his family in Tyrol, Italy several times. Albert is survived by his loving wife Susan (Serio) of 70 years. His favorite nephew and main caregiver and travel partner Thomas (Pamela) Antonini, many nieces, nephews, great & great-great nieces and nephews, friends, and cousins in Italy. Albert is predeceased by his brothers, Martin (Tillie), Henry (Adeline) and sister, Irene (Leonard) Baldini. Thanks to Thomas and Pamela Antonini and Al VanHoven for all the care and support. Family and friends may call from 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM Friday January 10, 2025 at Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Drive, Syracuse, NY 13219 with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 12:30 PM. Private entombment with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery Our Lady of Hope Mausoleum, DeWitt. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to: Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave, Syracuse, NY, 13210, Gollisano Children’s Hospital, 750 E. Adams St, Syracuse, NY 13210 or Syracuse University School of Management-Albert Antonini Scholarship, 900 South Crouse Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13244. BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, Solvay has care of arrangements. Please share online tributes at www.bagozzitwins.com.

ALBERT "AL" F. ANTONINI

January 22, 1931 - January 1, 2025