Deacon Elbert H. Niles

Deacon Elbert H. Niles, 85, of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Verona Beach and Oneida, NY, passed away peacefully in his bed on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Heron House in Sarasota. He was born on July 17, 1940, in Verona Beach, NY, the son of Elbert E. and Zilpha C. (Loomis) Niles. He was a 1958 graduate of Oneida High School. He went on to receive his Electrician's Certification from Utica College and later studied to become a Deacon at Syracuse University. Elbert started out working in the Oneida Royal Heater Company Factory, then as a Sales Rep, and worked his way up to Senior Vice President of the Company. He later started his own company Northeast Marketing Associates. He finished his career as a Sales Rep for the Riello Corporation, retiring in 2007. Deacon El was also a Master Carpenter and Electrician. He built the families first home in Verona Beach, the big white house with pillars across the street from St. Mary's Church. In 1956, El was ice skating on the "back set" in Sylvan Beach when he met the love of his life, Jill. On September 16, 1961, Elbert was united in marriage to Jacqueline "Jill" Heintz in St. John's Church in North Bay. A blessed union of sixty-one years until Jill's passing on March 14, 2023. They are now together again, enjoying the eternal rewards of heaven. El was a devoted member of the E Bart Hanifin Council 473 Knights of Columbus and their 4th Degree, a Life Member in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #767, and a founding member of the Oneida Lake Icebreakers Snowmobile Club. He was always proud of being a "Beach Kid." His parents were the Owners and Operators of "Niles Midway Lunch" in the Sylvan Beach Midway and the Popcorn & Peanuts Concession at Utica-Rome Speedway. Deacon El was a man of deep and unwavering faith whose life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church. Ordained as a Deacon on May 9th, 1998, he embraced his calling with humility, compassion, and steadfast devotion. Whether ministering at the altar, offering words of comfort, or lending a helping hand to those in need, he lived as a faithful servant of Christ. His willingness to serve and his commitment to sharing God's love touched countless lives, leaving a legacy of faith, kindness, and service that will continue to inspire all who knew him. Deacon El served the communities of St. Patrick's Church in Oneida, St. Helena's Church in Sherrill, and Holy Family Church in Vernon. The communities he so faithfully served will deeply miss his gentle presence, wise counsel, and unwavering kindness. Family was the center of El and Jill's life. Surviving are three children, Wendy (Ken) Olson, of Venice, FL, Wayne Niles, of Westerville, OH, and Chris (Carey) Niles, of Sherrill; three beloved granddaughters, Martha "Mattie" Niles, Tida Niles, and Ella Niles; two sisters, Catherine (Robert) Stanton, of Waco, TX, and Argarette Aldasch, of Vernon; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jack (Yolanda) Heintz, Evelyn Heintz, and John Edwards; and numerous nieces, nephews, 39 Godchildren, and dear friends. El was predeceased by his parents Elbert and Zilpha Niles; brother Burton Niles; sisters-in-law, Midge Niles, Carol McCarthy, and Lynda Edwards; brothers-in-law, Howard Aldasch, Gerry Heintz, and Edward McCarthy; nephew, Joseph "Joey" Edwards; and his in-laws, Joseph and Viola Heintz. A Memorial Mass of the Christian Burial for Deacon El will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Spirit of Hope Parish at St. Mary of the Lake Church, Verona Beach. Burial of Deacon El and his beloved wife, Jill, will take place the following day, Tuesday, October 21st, 10:00 am at St. Joseph Cemetery in Utica. Memorial contributions may be made in Deacon El's memory to the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Syracuse, 1408 Genesee St., Utica, NY, 13502, https://www.catholiccharitiesom.org/giving To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deacon Elbert H. Niles, please visit our floral store.