In Memory of Dennis Allen “Ernie” Wrate

Obituary

Dennis Allen “Ernie” Wrate, 63, of New Hartford, passed away, Friday, December 27, 2024, at his home.

He was born April 9, 1961, in Utica, the son of Janet Hamlin Raehm and the late John Wrape. He graduated from the John F. Kennedy High School class of 1979. He married Karen Rosato on April 13, 1996, in New Hartford.

Dennis was employed with Coca-Cola for 38 years, retiring in 2020.

He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Growing up, he was a devoted member of the St. Mark’s Parish.

Dennis was an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying golf, running, basketball, and was a fan of the Mets, the Knicks, the Giants, the Bruins, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and fantasy sports.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Karen, his mother Janet Raehm; his children, Jared (Jerrica) Wrate of Clinton, Kimberly Wrate of New Hartford, Ashley (Scott) Usmail of Rome, his adored grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Pa”, Maxen and Hudson Usmail and Brooklyn Wrate; his sister Christine (Ralph) Graziano of Utica, his brothers Greg (Nancy) Wrate of New Hartford, Kevin (Tracy) Wrate of CA, his sister Tracy (Frank) Curran of Albany, his sister Amy Soler of New York City, his step-mother Gretchen Wrape of New Hartford; many nieces, nephews; his lifelong friend Joe Betrus and his weekly coffee club friends. He was pre-deceased by his father John Wrape, his stepfather Charles Raehm, his stepson Sean T. Reilly, and his special friend Bob Calhoun.

Calling hours are on Thursday from 5-7 pm at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford. The funeral will be on Friday at 10:30 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com.