Paul J. Burgio

Greece, NY: September 10, 2026. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Ralph & Rose Burgio; brother, Kenneth Burgio. He is survived by his wife, Cindy (Cartier) Burgio; children, Roxanne (John) Zimmerman & Paul Burgio, Jr.; grandchild, Addison Zimmerman; brother, Ralph (April) Burgio; several nieces, nephews, cousins, & dear friends.

Paul’s life story will be shared during his visitation, Tuesday, September 15th, 4-7 PM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). His celebration of life service will be Wednesday, September 16th, 10 AM at the funeral home. Immediately following, he will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, or National Kidney Foundation in Paul’s memory.

Remembering Paul J. Burgio

Paul J. Burgio was born on November 22, 1946, in Rochester, New York, to Ralph and Rose Burgio. He grew up in a loving family alongside his brothers, Kenneth, who passed away before him, and Ralph. His father, Ralph, worked for a trucking company, while his mother, Rose, devoted herself to caring for their home and family. Paul attended School #17 and later James Madison High School, where he began building many of the friendships and memories that would remain a part of his life.

As a young man, Paul enjoyed playing basketball at the St. Charles Community Center. He had an easygoing nature and a genuine ability to connect with people, qualities that would become hallmarks of his life.

Paul’s life changed when he met Cindy Cartier at Dudley Do Rights. Their relationship grew into a lifelong love, and on September 16, 1978, Paul and Cindy were married at St. Ambrose Church. Together, they shared a life built around love, family, and the people who meant the most to them. Paul was a devoted father to Roxanne and Paul Jr., and he took great pride in watching his family grow through the years. As a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Paul treasured the relationships that made his life so meaningful.

Paul loved making memories with the people he cared about whether they were family or friends. He enjoyed traveling and vacationing, with memorable trips to places such as Hawaii, California, Myrtle Beach, Florida, and Las Vegas. Some of Paul’s happiest moments, however, were much closer to home. He loved having family and friends gather at his house, where there was always conversation, laughter, good food, and undoubtedly a few stories that would be repeated for years to come. Whether he was hosting a gathering, attending a card party at a friend’s home, or simply spending time with those he loved, Paul was happiest when surrounded by people.

He had many interests that brought him joy throughout his life. Paul enjoyed going to the casino, golfing, fishing, and playing cards. He especially loved the camaraderie that came with these activities, the opportunity to sit around a table, share some laughs, tell stories, and enjoy the company of good friends. He also enjoyed watching old Westerns and television favorites such as MASH*, Seinfeld, and Everybody Loves Raymond. Oldies music was another favorite, providing the soundtrack for many moments throughout his life.

One of the most influential people in Paul’s life was his Uncle Paul Burgio. From the time Paul was a little boy, he looked up to his uncle, and the two developed a bond that was much more like that of brothers. Uncle Paul’s presence and influence remained meaningful to him throughout his life, and their special relationship was one Paul cherished.

Friendship was another defining part of who Paul was. He had an extraordinary gift for maintaining relationships over the years, with many friendships lasting 45 or even 50 years. Tony Donato was one of Paul’s closest friends, with their friendship spanning 50 years. They shared countless dinners, social gatherings, casino trips, and memories. Paul shared a special bond with his brothers-in-law, Jimmy Elkins and Nick Cannizzo, who were also lifelong friends of 50 years. Over the years, they enjoyed fishing, golfing, parties, and plenty of unforgettable shenanigans, creating memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Paul’s friendship with Mike Moshittieri lasted 45 years. Paul had worked for Mike and his father at Sammy’s Appliance, and their friendship continued long after their working days together. These friendships were more than simply friendships, they were lifelong bonds built on trust, laughter, loyalty, and countless shared experiences.

Paul also carried the memories of friends who had passed before him, including Billy Beyma, Brad Clegg, Jack McKean, and Doc Fletcher. Their absence was felt, but the memories they created together remained a lasting part of Paul’s story.

Those who knew Paul would describe him as kind, gentle, loving, caring, supportive, and strong. He had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome, and his sense of humor could turn an ordinary moment into a story everyone would remember.

His famous sayings, “Yeah right,” “Go figure,” and, perhaps most famously, “You’re never gonna believe what just happened to me…” were instantly recognizable to everyone who knew him. Whenever Paul said those words, everyone knew they were about to hear a great story, usually one filled with an unexpected twist, a little bit of humor, and a moment that only Paul could somehow turn into an unforgettable tale. His stories became part of the fabric of his friendships and family memories, and they are sure to be told and retold for years to come.

Above all else, Paul was devoted to his family. His children were a source of tremendous pride, and his granddaughter, Addison, was truly the apple of his eye. The love he had for his family was evident in the way he supported them, celebrated them, and remained there for them through all of life’s moments. His greatest legacy can be found in the resilience of his children and in the deep, lasting friendships he nurtured for more than five decades.

Paul lived a life rich in love, laughter, family, and friendship. He was the kind of person who made memories simply by being present, and most of the people who knew him could probably tell a story about Paul that would have everyone laughing all over again.

Paul J. Burgio will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Though he is no longer here to share another card game, fishing trip, round of golf, casino outing, or gathering around the table, the laughter, stories, friendships, and love he left behind will continue to live on. His life was measured not only by the years he lived, but by the people he loved, the friendships he kept, and the countless memories he gave to everyone fortunate enough to know him.