Obituary of James Thomas O'Toole

     James Thomas (JT) O’Toole, 70, of Schuyler, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10, 2025.

    James was born in Utica, on June 10, 1954, the son of James and Jacqueline (Jebo) O’Toole. He attended Blessed Sacrament School and later graduated from Proctor High School in 1973. Throughout his childhood, James was an accomplished athlete, most notably in cross country and basketball. On June 3, 1978, James married Rose Cavo, having three children together. Though James and Rose later separated, their friendship and family bonds always remained. James married Tauni Stone on April 7, 2001, after meeting in 1997. The two enjoyed more than 20 years of love and friendship before her passing on January 1, 2020. James held a special place in his heart for the Adirondacks. Beginning at a very early age, he and his family would spend weeks at a time camping at the many NYS Campgrounds. He later shared this love of camping with his children, grandchildren, best friends, and especially Tauni. James and Tauni would frequently reserve campsites at 8th Lake, many months in advance to ensure they always got their favorite sites - those with spectacular views of the lake, where they could relax together, play cards, listen to music, and enjoy the endless wildlife. James worked for Price Chopper Supermarkets in the Meat Department for over 40 years, before retiring in 2014.

    James is survived by his three children and their spouses, Regina (O’Toole) and Richard Baker of Frankfort, Katrina (O’Toole) and Gary Kozlowski of Frankfort, and Shawn O’Toole and Teresa Martorella of Utica; his five grandchildren, Samantha, Sophia and Richard Baker, Owen O’Toole, and Brielle Kozlowski; his brother and sister in-law Edward and Sherrill O’Toole of California; his brother in-law Mark Fuller of Forestport, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and many close friends - his closest of which is Paul Rightmier, who he shared a close bond with for over 30 years. James was predeceased by his sister Jacqueline (O’Toole) Fuller, his nephew Thomas Salsbury and his brother Donald O’Toole.

    Visitation for family and friends is Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 3:00-6:00 pm at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Road, N. Utica, followed by a memorial service at 6:00 pm at the conclusion of visitation. He will be laid to rest with his beloved Tauni in St. Agnes Cemetery in Utica in the spring. In Lieu of flowers, James asked that donations be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413, for the love and care they provided to his late wife Tauni prior to her passing.

   James’ family would like to express their immense gratitude to everyone at The Wynn Hospital for their exceptional care over the last month.