Herkimer - Sullivan A. "Sully" Cipriano, age 89, of West German Street, passed away on Saturday evening, December 24, 2005, in Folts Homes, Herkimer. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on March 5, 1916 in Utica, son of the late Julio and Mary Vonofrio Cipriano. Sully was raised and educated in Utica, where he graduated from Proctor High School. During World War II, he joined the US Navy. He served overseas and was on the destroyer USS John W. Weeks when it was assigned to the occupation forces at the end of the war. The destroyer had a narrow escape from five Japanese suicide planes just a few hours before the Japanese made their first peace bid. He was honorably discharged on January 31, 1946. Over the years, Mr. Cipriano had owned and operated various restaurants and bars in Utica, the last being Lueberts' Hauf Brau House on Charlotte Street, retiring in 1995. On July 27, 1974, he was united in marriage with Ruth V. Harter in Whitestown. They moved to Herkimer in 1975, where they have resided since. He was a member of Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church in Utica. His leisure time was spent bowling, playing golf and following the races at Vernon Downs. To all who knew him, they will never forget his warm smile and low-key manner. His years in business left him with many good times and many good friends. Surviving him are his devoted wife of 31 years, Ruth; one son, Steven and his wife, Terry Dzula of Albion; two grandsons, Steven Dzula of North Carolina, Ryan Dzula of Albion; his sister-in-law, and brother-in-law, Joan and Jim Whiteman with their family; his Godchild, Susan Marie Durso of Utica; special friends, Ray and Debbie Durso with their family; and many cousins. Besides his parents, two sisters, Rose and Amelia "Mae" Cipriano preceded him in death. Funeral from Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer, on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. in the Church of Saint Mary of Mount Carmel, Utica. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friend on Wednesday from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Folts Homes Alzheimer's Unit. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. You came into our lives at a time when misjudgments could have altered the way we all turned out. You taught us how to love, trust and respect each other. Your love and devotion were never questioned. You were blessed with having the ability to give and not make it seem like a chore. When asked of you to do something, the answer was always, "No problem." My Darling, you will be so deeply missed. The happiness and memories will always be there. When we were married we truly became one. Thank you for the years we had. I only hope and pray you know how much we cared. It was hard to understand why you were called home to God on Christmas Eve but, it must have been that there was a need for you as a special angel in Heaven. We will always love you and it will be so difficult without you, until we meet again. Love, your family.