Carmen Joseph Giufre

FAYETTEVILLE... Carmen Joseph Giufre, age 90, of Fayetteville, and a former Canastota resident, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Fayetteville, NY. He was born in Canastota, NY, on January 30, 1935, the son of Vincenzo (Jim) Giufre and Agatha "Ida" (Leonardi) Giufre. Carmen was raised in Canastota, where he attended Canastota schools. He met and fell in love with Muriel Eleanor Breed when he was in ninth grade and she was in eighth. They were married on April 7, 1956, and honeymooned in Florida, where they retired decades later, first in Palm City, then in Fort Myers. Before retiring, they lived in Canastota, then Oneida, and after retirement, they enjoyed spending summers in Verona Beach, Alexandria Bay, and Fayetteville. Carmen was a successful partner of V. Giufre & Sons in Canastota, the family business his father founded that specialized in growing, packing and shipping produce - mostly onions and potatoes. He was known for his outgoing and friendly nature, as well as his kindness, generosity and sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his numerous friends. He loved music, traveling, playing golf, boating in the Thousand Islands, and nightly games of canasta with Muriel. He also loved reminiscing about his family, playing football during his high school days and his antics with his boyhood friends, who called themselves "The Dukes." He was a member of St. Agatha's Catholic Church in Canastota, where he also served as an altar boy in his youth. Surviving besides his wife of 69 years, Muriel, are: two daughters, Caren and Anthony Edl of Fayetteville, NY, and Tina Giufre and Paul LaRonde of Fort Myers, FL; two granddaughters, Carissa and Jason Knotts of Glen Burnie, MD, and Laura Edl; two great-grandsons, Carson and Liam Knotts; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Carmen was predeceased by his four brothers and three sisters-in-law: Anthony "Tony" and Louise Giufre, Salvatore "Sam" and Florence Giufre, Giuseppe Giufre, and Frank "Sharkie" and Florence Giufre; four sisters and brothers-in-law: Alfreida "Freida" and Vincent "Butch" Buda, Mary and Joseph Cesario, Angeline "Angie" and Donald Starks, and Josephine "Jay" and Sam "Bunny" Passante. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Agatha's Church, 329 N. Peterboro Street, Canastota. The Rev. Christopher J. Ballard, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Agatha's Cemetery, Canastota. In Carmen's memory, contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, online at https://www.alz.org.