Longtime Utica City Employee Dead at the Age of 56

A longtime City of Utica employee has died following a courageous battle with cancer. Former Deputy Comptroller and Utica Budget Director Peter Fiorillo passed away surrounded by loved ones.

Born, raised and educated locally in Central New York, Peter Fiorillo stayed here and served the City of Utica in two different capacities. Fiorillo served many years as the Deputy Comptroller and in most recent years under Mayors Dave Roefaro and Rob Palmieri, Fiorillo served as Budget Director.

According to his obituary, Peter enjoyed riding his motorcycle with friends, fishing and in younger years playing baseball. Family and friends say, "His knowledge, honesty and integrity were second to none, and the City of Utica has lost a special person."

Utica Councilman Joe Marino posted to his Facebook page, "Peter Fiorillo, was a great friend and one of the single biggest reasons the City of Utica made a financial recovery over the last 6 years. He was the biggest influence in Utica's finances, bar none. Rest in Peace Peter, you will be greatly missed by more people than they even realize but me especially."

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home, Inc., 1122 Culver Ave. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to either St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or Hospice Care, Inc.