Obituary of Happy Acee

Happy Acee, Jr passed away quietly at home on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013 with his loving wife and family beside him. He was born on Oct. 9, 1936 and raised in Clark Mills where he resided most of his life. He was a meat cutter extraordinaire and the states' best fly fisherman. He was the son of Happy and Julia (Khoury) Acee, Sr and one of fourteen children. Happy will be forever missed by his brothers Frederick and Linda, Gabriel and Barbara, and his sisters, Katie Lewis and Theresa and Narvin Efferson. Beside his parents, he is predeceased by brothers Edward, Ted, Albert, Tony, Tommy, and sisters Bedelia, Leona, Ellen and Marion. His wonderful mother-in-law Josephine Gargiulo just left us on Dec. 22, 2013 with whom he shared a special bond. Hap married his sweetheart, Judith Gargiulo on November 30, 1957 and they recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. Their committed and loving relationship is a shining example of dedication and caring. Together they raised five devoted children Happy III (Nancy), Candace (Carl) Ingerham, Lynne (Paul) Sypher, David Acee and Linda Peters, and Michele (Vince) Abel. He also leaves behind 11 treasured grandchildren Amanda (Jerry) Hunter, Matthew (Katelyn) Sypher, Happy Acee IV, Brian (Elissa) Sypher, Adrian Acee, Alexandra Abel, Aaron Acee, Connor Acee, Tyler Abel, Austin Acee, and Marcus Sypher. He also leaves behind sisters-in-law Marjorie (Ben) Brower, Diane (John) Ligas and brother-in-law John Gargiulo. Plus, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and neighbors. His name suited him as he was always happy and a stranger was just a friend he hadn't yet met. He lived everyday to the fullest. Judy loved reading on the banks while he "cast away". His passion and love for fly-tying and fly fishing allowed him to make new friends each time he was on the river. From stocking fish to catch and release he loved it all. He was a river guide at the Delaware River, Salmon River, and West Canada Creek. In Sept. 2001, he had the privilege of guiding former president George H.W. Bush at the Douglaston River, Pulaski, NY. He will be greatly missed by his MANY cousins and fishing buddies who lovingly called him, "Hap, the Grand Master." The fishing and our lives will never be the same without this man who was a good husband, brother, father and friend. The family wants to thank all the wonderful, caring and gentle Doctors and nurses in the ICU and Special Care Unit at St. Elizabeth's Hospital. We are especially grateful for the caring and compassionate nurses of Hospice who were a great support to our loving mother during this difficult time. Any donations can be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Oneida, Herkimer and Eastern Madison Counties. Calling hours will be held from 4-7PM Friday, Dec 27th at the Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Home in Clinton and the funeral service will be held Saturday morning at 9:30 at the Church of Annunciation in Clark Mills.