Rev. Sanford C. Sinesi

Rev. Sanford Cornelius Sinesi, 75, of Syracuse, New York, went to be with Jesus on October 25, 2024.  Sanford ("Sandy") was born in Syracuse, New York.  He graduated from Henninger High School and earned his Bachelor's Degree at Bethany Bible College (Kingswood University) in Sussex, New Brunswick, Canada.  Later, Sandy received his Master of Ministry Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. 

In his earlier years,  Sandy worked construction with his father, and he was also an EMT with Syracuse Ambulance.  He was a pastor of Wesleyan churches in New York State for 44 years.  He served at Waterloo, Odessa, Albany, Sandy Creek, Midler Avenue (Syracuse) and Onondaga (Nedrow).  He was also chaplain for the Syracuse Rescue Mission.

He loved to share his faith in Jesus with others.  Many believed in Jesus as their Savior through his witness.  Sandy loved his family, Church Congregations, and people in general.  He was very wise and gave excellent Godly advice. Sandy also loved to be the hands and feet of Jesus in his communities and on short term mission trips including Jamaica, South Dakota, Antigua, Dominica, St. Croix, Philippines, China, and Haiti.  

Sandy loved to travel!  He enjoyed cross-country trips with his family, as well as numerous cruises with his wife.  Sandy liked to watch sports. and he rarely missed the broadcasted Syracuse University basketball and football games.  Car racing (Joey Logano), NY Yankees, Buffalo Bills, and FOX News were also among his favorite things to watch on TV.  He enjoyed listening to music and would "Ask Google" to play Contemporary Christian Music.  Some of Sandy's favorite phrases were "Shut the door!" and "Mary!  Mary!  Mary!".  Since they have been married, he and Mary have consistently said "I love you" and kissed each other after meal blessings, before and after leaving each other, and many other times during each day.  Sandy was renowned for loving extremely hot peppers and hot sauces as evidenced by his collection on the kitchen counter. He  was an avid foodie and incredible cook.  His favorite thing to cook was soup, in which he would add anything that he had on hand.  Sandy regularly cooked for family and church events.  

Sandy is survived by his loving wife Mary Elaine (Prentice) Sinesi, of 50 years.  They were married at West Jasper Wesleyan Church on November 10, 1973.  Sandy is lovingly remembered by his children: Miriam Dawn (Bryan) Baker, Sandra Elizabeth "Betsy" (Peter) Miraglia, Lena Martha (Michael) Fitzgerald, and Prentice Matthew (Liz) Sinesi; thirteen grandchildren: Brandon Baker, Seth Hale, Jordan Baker, Louie Miraglia, Kendra Baker, Kaleigh Baker, Samantha Miraglia, Carmella Miraglia, Joseph Fitzgerald, Emilia Fitzgerald, Caleb Sinesi, Andrew Sinesi, and Daniel Sinesi; siblings: Robert (Carol) Sinesi and Virginia Sinesi (Jude); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Sandy is predeceased by his parents, Matt and Gloria Sinesi. 

Funeral services will be held at Alive Wesleyan Church on Friday, November 1st.  Calling hours will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.  The Service in Celebration of Sandy's Life will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m.  Alive Wesleyan Church is located at 7691 Bridgeport Kirkville Rd. Kirkville, NY

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