Obituary of 1SG Michael P Elia, USA, Ret.

1SG Michael P. Elia, US Army Ret., 66, passed away October 1, 2018 with his family by his side. He was born in Syracuse on September 3, 1952, the son of the late Jerry and Elizabeth (Flaherty) Elia. Mike graduated from Oriskany High School and joined the US Army. He served his Country as an Air Traffic Controller and was based in Korea, Alabama, Germany and retired from Ft. Drum. He was active in Operation Desert Storm and Somalia. After retiring from the Army he worked for US Materials & Handling for 20 years, where he traveled all over the world as an outside salesman for military contracts. He was married to Peggy Ann Fowler on September 5, 1970. They shared many happy years together. Mike was a former member of the Elks for 20 years, a member of St. Peter's Church, enjoyed fishing, woodworking and his El Camino. Together with his son-in-law, they were M & M and could build or repair anything. Mike loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, most of all. He enjoyed watching them in all their activities. He is survived by his wife, Peggy of Rome; his two daughters, Michelle Esposito and Barbara and Michael Fulgeri, all of Rome; five grandchildren, Kayla, Francesca, Joseph, Taylor and Gerald Jr.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry and Lynn Elia of Geneva and William and Christine Elia of Canastota; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Elia and Dennis Vail of NC; sisters-in-law, Debra and Timothy Vaughn and Judy and Pat Kessler, all of Rome; and many special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; brother John Elia; in-laws Alvin and Barbara Fowler; sister-in-law Laura Elia; and brother-in-law Michael Zawisza. A Memorial Service will be held at 6pm Friday, October 5, 2018 at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome. All are invited to call Friday from 4-6pm prior to the service. Please consider donations to American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society in Mike's memory.