July 23, 2021
James B. “Terry” Tesoriero
James B. “Terry” Tesoriero, 95; of Oswego passed peacefully at Seneca Hill Manor, Volney, NY. A lifelong resident of Oswego, James was the son of the late Vincent and Sarah (Corso) Tesoriero. He graduated from Oswego High School and James was a United States Veteran having served in the Navy during WWII from 1944-1946. Terry married his late wife of 35 years the former Hazel Kitchen on October 13, 1956. James went on to work for nearly his entire life. During the 1930’s he started as a young boy delivering bread for his family’s business Tesoriero Bakery, Oswego. After his honorable discharge, James worked at the Marathon Paper Company for several years prior to his employment with Alcan Aluminum Corp., where he retired from in 1985. Unlike most people after retirement James was just hitting his groove in his already long career. He then decided to work as a court attendant for the Oswego County Sherriff’s Department for the next 30 years. James ultimately was forced to retire in 2020 due to the pandemic. As a young man, James was an excellent athlete and outstanding fast-pitch softball player. He played for several championship teams from the 1940’s through the 1960’s, including Ballantine Beer, Big Bend Ford, and Marathon Paper. James participated in many All-Star games against world-renowned traveling teams that included the King and His Court, and the California Cuties. In 1988, James was honored as a first-ballot Oswego Softball Hall of Fame inductee for his abilities on the field as a first baseman. He was also a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church, Oswego.
James lived a full life and he most enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: James and Megan Tesoriero of Rensselaer, NY; two grandchildren: Alexander Tesoriero of Charleston, SC; and Molly Tesoriero of Rensselaer, NY; his longtime companion: Sonja Santarelli of Liverpool, NY; and several nieces and nephews.
James was predeceased by his siblings: Sam, Anthony, and John Tesoriero, Anna Kuno, Theresa D’Arcangelis, Frances Todaro, Sadie Hilton, Margaret DeNardo, Catherine Vergona, Virginia Saylor, Mary DiMerio, and Ida Godkin.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 31st at 10:00 AM at CTGS at St. Joseph’s Church, Oswego, NY where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. John Canorro.
Entombment will be held in All Saint’s Mausoleum, St. Peter’s Cemetery, Oswego where military honors will be bestowed by the United States Navy Honor Guard.
Calling Hours will be conducted 4:00 to 6:00 PM Friday at the Sugar & Scanlon Funeral Home, 147 W. 4th St., Oswego.
Masks for the unvaccinated is requested in adherence with CDC guidelines.
Jim, I’m so sorry for your loss! I got to know your dad at bingo what a sweet man. My prayers to you all
Jim,
I extend my condolences on Uncle Terry’s passing. I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend his services as we will be traveling.
He will be missed. He was always such a joyous person and had a laugh and a twinkle that just bubbled up from his heart. He will be in our prayers
Jim.
I have no words to express how sorry I am that Uncle Terry passed on. You, Megan and your kids will be remembered in our prayers!!
One of my favorite stories is when my dad (John) and your dad were both in port at the same time during WWII somewhere in Virginia or Maryland. They were able to get special permission to leave their respective ships and have a few hours of shore leave together.
Your dad, and mom as well, were ALWAYS so very kind to me. My first year teaching was in a small school in Cincinnatus, NY, down near Binghamton. One day I saw several of the kinds looking at the door to my room. I looked that way and there was your dad and mom standing in the doorway to surprise me. That was the best thing ever, even though the kids teased me non stop about it for a little while.
I know these are hard times for you, but please know I really wish I could be there in Oswego to pay my respects. I miss living in Oswego a lot! Especially at times like this!
You know your dad was one of a kind and anybody that knew him, also knows he was the best of the best.
Love (cousin) Brian Tesoriero
Terry was a lifelong friend of my Dad, Peter J. Murphy. They grew up together and shared many wonderful memories from my Grandfather’s Drug store, on the East side of Oswego.
Your Dad was a great man and a caring friend who always checked on my Mom, long after my Dad passed away. I am sure they are all reunited once again.
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
James, if my dad, Frank Lapetino was alive he would be there for Terry. They were great friends and did many things together including softball. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Jim and Megan, thinking of you both during this time. We loved hearing all Justin’s stories about his encounters and conversations with Grampy and remember them fondly. He made a lasting impression only knowing him a short while – which is an awesome gift.