AUBURN | Carmen C. Festa, 82, of Clymer Street, Auburn, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, Dec. 30, 2012, after a long and courageous battle with cancer and heart disease. He was surrounded by his loving family, in the comfort of their home. He was a life resident of Auburn, the son of the late Anthony and Bessie Impaglia/Festa. Carl was an Air Force veteran during the Korean Conflict. He was a lifelong communicant of Holy Family Church, where he was very active for many years. Carl was instrumental in the forming of the CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) in Auburn. Prior to his retirement, Carl had been employed by the Auburn Police Department, as an officer for more than 35 years, retiring with more than 20 years, as a lead detective in the Bureau. Upon retirement, he continued to work for more than 13 years, as director of Safety and Security at Auburn Community Hospital. Carl was a fixture ever since the local Wegmans Grocery Store opened 35 years ago, having worked security right up until his recent illness. Carl was very passionate in the development of children's youth organizations, especially Auburn Little League. He was a former coach, commissioner and president for many years. Due to his great love and commitment for the city, and in keeping Auburn Little League baseball in Emerson Park, he was honored in April 2010 by having the “Carl Festa Field� named after him. He would receive numerous awards, including the Gold Badge of Courage from WTVH, the Father Shamon Sportmanship Man of the Year Award, as well as many others. He was also active as a member of the Masonic Temple, and the Auburn PBA Police Union. Carl loved to fly and became a private pilot. Carl was very happy and proud to see his love of flying passed on to his grandson, Billy Wildner, who is currently a commercial pilot with US Air. Carl was also an avid New York Yankees fan and loved to travel with family and friends, especially to Las Vegas and Lake George. He is survived by his four loving children, daughters, Maryanne Leonard, of Auburn and Cheryl Festa, of North Carolina; sons, Michael Festa and Carl Festa Jr., of Auburn, and their families, including, Kevin Lenard, Darlene Festa, Patricia Festa; his two brothers, John and wife, Patty Festa, of Mt. Morris, N.Y., David and wife, Vicky Festa, of Auburn; seven grandchildren, Billy Wildner, Ashley Finlon (Bryan), Michael Festa (Stephanie), Kristin Swartz (Tom), Morgan, Sara and Carl Marc Festa; two great-grandchildren, Connor and Emma Finlon, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Carl was predeceased by his wives, Katherine Festa, in 1996, Ruth Festa, in 2008, and also his infant son, Anthony. Friends and relatives are invited to join the family at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan, 3, 2013, in Holy Family Church, for Carl's Mass of a Christian burial. Entombment will be in St. Joseph's Mausoleum. Calling hours are from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, at the Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 Genesee St., in Auburn. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Auburn Little League, c/o YMCA, 27 Williams St., Auburn, NY 13021 or to Hospice of the Finger Lakes, 1130 Corporate Drive, Auburn, NY 13021.
