Dr. Charles John DiCosimo II

Dr. Charles John DiCosimo II, 76, of Manlius, NY, passed away suddenly of natural causes on July 13, 2025, leaving his family and friends in deep sorrow. The son of the late Charles John DiCosimo and Esther (Manion) DiCosimo, Charles was bom on November 14,1948. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Syracuse University in 1970 and earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 1974. He went on to complete specialty training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Connecticut and Hartford Hospital.
Dr. DiCosimo practiced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Central New York for forty years. He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a member of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology, and a founding member of the Central New York Study Group for Dentofacial Abnormalities. He was respected for his surgical skill and cared deeply for his patients.
Beyond his professional life, Charles was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Geraldine; his children, Christine DiCosimo, Michelle Duffy (Steven), and Charles DiCosimo (Alissa); his grandchildren, Ian, Lily, and Charlie; his brothers, William (Lisa) and James (Kathy); and several nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. Charles was predeceased by his parents, Charles Sr. and Esther; his stepmother, Geraldine; and his sister, Margaret.
Music was a lifelong passion for Charles, who began playing at a young age and continued throughout his life. He was an accomplished musician who performed in numerous bands and ensembles-through school, in his community, and at his beloved church, sharing his talent and joy with all who heard him. He also had a deep love for the stars, spending countless evenings photographing the night sky and marveling at the wonders of the cosmos.
Charles and his devoted wife Gerry were true partners in life. They shared a special bond and enjoyed many adventures together, especially boating which was a favorite pastime that brought them great joy and peace. Above all, Charles cherished time with his family. He was a proud and loving father and grandfather, always happiest when surrounded by his children and grandchildren, creating memories filled with laughter and love.
Charles had a generous heart and a deep commitment to supporting families of children with disabilities, a cause especially close to him as the proud father of a daughter with a disability. He and his wife Gerry served as a host family for David's Refuge, offering respite, encouragement, and community to parents and caregivers. He also lent his creativity and craftsmanship to Front Row Players, a community theater program for individuals with disabilities, where he helped build sets and props that brought performances to life. His quiet kindness and steadfast support made a lasting impact on countless families, and his legacy of compassion lives on in the lives he touched.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 21, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Newell-Fay Manlius Chapel, 8171 Cazenovia Road, Manlius. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 22, at 11:00 AM at St. Ann's Church, 104 Academy St., Manlius. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Mausoleum, 4100 E. Genesee St., Syracuse.
In honor of Charles's memory and his dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities, the family kindly requests that, lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR). This cause was deeply meaningful to Charles and his family, and contributions will help advance critical research and support for those living with Prader-Willi syndrome. Donations may be made online at https://www.fpwr.org.