Obituary of Alfred S. "Al" Sgroi

CANASTOTA . . . Alfred S. "Al" Sgroi, 80, of 8480 Oneida Valley Road, Canastota, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at his home. He was born on August 13, 1944, in Canastota, the son of the late Frank Sr. and Margaret (Schmidt) Sgroi. Al has lived in the Canastota area all of his life, graduating from Canastota High School in 1963. He later graduated from SUNY Morrisville in 1972, and attended SUNY Polytech in Utica. He first worked for General Electric in Syracuse, including two years on Shemya Island, Alaska. Al later was a teacher for Jefferson-Lewis BOCES, at the Howard G. Sackett Technical Center in Glenfield. Al was a Veteran of the United States Army. He was also a member of St. Agatha's Church in Canastota, and was a founding member of the Canastota Conservation Club. Al loved family most of all, from attending large family reunions, to backyard cookouts, to breakfasts at Flo's Diner. As a child, Al spent his summers working and even living in the early years down on the Canastota onion fields. Although it was hard work, he always maintained an affection for that black dirt and has held onto a small lot that was originally owned by his grandfather. Al spent many years fishing and hunting with his cousins, the Pulverentis, plus his beloved pheasant dog, Queenie, who he trained himself. Al was an avid race fan his entire life and spent years with his close friend from college, Mike Noto, helping to run a dirt modified race team. He also loved riding motorcycles the majority of his life, culminating in a trip to the Sturgis Rally in S. Dakota with his cousin Anthony (no trailers included!). He married Dianne L. Youmans on August 7, 1971, in St. Agatha's Church. Surviving besides his wife, Dianne, are: one son, Frank Sgroi of Parish; one daughter, Heather Sgroi of Munnsville; one brother, Frank Sgroi, Jr. of Rochester; one sister and brother-in-law, Marie Cline Lynam and William Lynam of Rochester; one sister-in-law, Cynthia Sgroi of E. Syracuse; two grandchildren, Dominick Eddy, and Greggory Eddy; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Al was predeceased by one brother, Daniel Sgroi, and a lifelong friend, Howie Snyder. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at St. Agatha's Church, 329 N. Peterboro Street, Canastota. The Rev. James Buttner will officiate. In his memory, contributions may be made to Wanderers' Rest Humane Association, Inc., PO Box 535, Canastota, NY, with envelopes available at the funeral home.