Obituary of ArcAngelo J Gaetano Jr

ArcAngelo "Butch" Gaetano, Jr.

September 20, 1943 – December 8, 2024

ArcAngelo "Butch" Gaetano, Jr., 81, a beloved father, companion, and friend, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the Siegenthaler Center Hospice and Palliative care of New Hartford. Born on September 25, 1943, in Rome, NY, Butch was the son of the late Theresa (Benincasa) and Angelo Gaetano. He spent his formative years in Rome, cultivating an early passion for hard work, community, and the mechanical wonders of the automobile. 

As a young boy, Butch began working at Revere Copper and Brass and in local garages, where he developed a deep appreciation for cars—a love that would become a lifelong pursuit. His career took him to Ryan Motors as a service manager and later to Griffiss Air Force Base, where his expertise and work ethic were well-regarded. In 1995, he realized a dream by opening his own business, Gaetano's Auto Repair. Over the years, the shop became more than a workplace; it was a gathering place for friends, a hub of laughter, camaraderie, and stories shared over coffee, Tomato Pie, Capicola, Provolone and grease-stained tools. 

Butch’s passions extended beyond his work. A gifted mechanic, he spent countless hours restoring vintage cars. An animal lover at heart, Butch had a soft spot for cats and cared deeply for the many furry friends who shared his life over the years. 

A lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, Butch’s loyalty never wavered, even during the team’s toughest seasons. Sundays were sacred for football, often shared with his close-knit circle of friends and family, cheering or commiserating with equal passion. 

At the center of Butch’s life was his long-time companion, Irmgard Madonia. Together, they created a partnership and spent time enjoying each other's company. Their bond was a source of strength and joy for both. 

Butch’s warmth, generosity, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his former wife, Barbara (Dianna) Gaetano, and their children; Diana Samuels (Robert) of Lee Center, NY, Thomas Gaetano (Coreen) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Sherry Gaetano (Roger) of Lee Center, NY, and Angelo Gaetano III (Sarah) of Clinton, NY, his grandchildren; Alexandra (Chris) Misiaczek, Diana, Gina (Caleb) Rasak, Mia, Gianna, Eva, Alice, Angelo, and Eliza, and great-grandchildren; Jayce and Luca, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his sister Anne Marie, and joins in peace his parents, Theresa and Angelo and his brother, Ned (Nunzio) Gaetano. 

Butch’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and an enduring spirit that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. His life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 East Dominick Street, Rome. Family and friends may call at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd. Rome, on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Siegenthaler Center, Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, N.Y. 13413, in remembrance of their loving care for Butch.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.