Category: Obituaries

Eric John Caruana

June 6, 1987-October 2, 2024

Eric, as many of you know as Ricky, was tragically and unexpectedly taken from us on October 2, 2024.

His passing comes as a shock to his family, loved ones and friends, who are still reeling at his loss. Eric lived a very vibrant life and still had so much ahead of him. He was taken too soon.

Eric is survived by his son Liam Caruana, his significant other Shawnaia (Shay) Miranda and her son SJ Miranda, his parents Stephanie (James) Hawkins, Eric (Deb Masucci) Caruana, grandmother Judy Caruana, step siblings Kristina (Anthony) Loria, Brittnay (Josh) Mesmer, Dylan Busssom, Justin Masucci, Michael Dostman, many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A particular acknowledgment to A.J. Colombo for always being by his side through thick and thin.

Eric is still living and his heart is still beating through another due to his selfless multiple organ donations that has given the gift of life to several people.

A sincere appreciation to the staff in the Neuro ICU at Strong Memorial Hospital for the support that was given to all of us during this difficult time.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by his cousin, Brittany Dostman, to assist with any medical expenses.

A Celebration of Life is being organized and will be posted when the details are finalized.

IRONDEQUOIT-Jim passed away peacefully at home on September 28, 2024at age 93. Predeceased by his brother Richard. Survived by his loving wife of 70 years Betty, son John (Monica), grandsons Kyle and Tom, sisters-in-law Mabel Sheridan and Georgia McLane, several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Lenny Seiler for all of his loving care this past year.

Jim was an Air Force veteran and a proud member of the Irondequoit American Legion and St. Cecilia Men’s Club. Jim worked as a draftsman at Kodak before enjoying his retirement.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 10/5 at 11am at St. Cecilia Church. Interment Irondequoit Cemetery.

Margaret E. Pum, 97, passed away peacefully after a short illness on 9/19/2024. She was born in Oswego and grew up in Albion, NY where she graduated from Albion High School and attended SUNY Brockport. She moved to Rochester and worked at Taylor Instrument Company where she met the love of her life, William Pum. They were happily married for 67 years when Bill died. She is survived by her children William D. (Barbara) Pum, Laurie A. (Thomas) Hussar and grandchildren, Diana, Stephen (Julie), Jonathan (Cassidy Karpovage) Pum; Jason (Beth Lighthouse) Hussar; Jennifer (Eric) Pavone. Her greatgrandchildren include Alyssa and Sabrina Pum and Maxton and Marleigh Pavone.

Marge worked as a dental assistant for many years. She loved golf, traveling, her many friends that she and Bill made over the years, but most of all spending time with family. She will be missed by all.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11AM on October 26th, 2024 at Transfiguration Lutheran Church, 3760 Culver Road. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Heritage Christian Services or Holy Childhood.

Vittorio Barbagallo, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and master tailor, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on September 15, 1935, in Catania, Sicily, he was the son of Rosaria and Antonino Barbagallo, a renowned Italian bootmaker whose exceptional skills included crafting footwear for notable figures such as Benito Mussolini.

At a young age, Vittorio embraced his own path as a master tailor. In 1961, he married his devoted wife, Iole Corsaro, and together they had two children, Antonino and Donna. In 1967, seeking new opportunities and a better life, Vittorio, Iole, and their firstborn son Antonino immigrated to the United States, where they began their journey with humble jobs sewing on an assembly line at Bonds Clothing Factory.

In 1971, Vittorio’s entrepreneurial spirit led him and Iole to establish their own business, Vittorio Designs, on Culver Road in Rochester, NY. By 1974, the shop evolved into Vittorio Tuxedo Shop, quickly becoming a favorite destination for tuxedo rentals and outfitting thousands of men for special occasions. Vittorio’s dedication and craftsmanship ensured that his legacy continued, with the shop still serving the community but under new ownership.

A man of unwavering devotion, Vittorio was fiercely protective of his family and deeply committed to their well-being. He prioritized his children’s education by ensuring they attended private schools and pursued higher education. His tenacity and relentless drive were evident in all aspects of his life, and he would often express his gratitude for the opportunities America provided him, saying, “I am an American; I love America because it gave me opportunity, I kiss the ground I walk on.”

“Con la forza della volontà”,  (the strength of the will) Vittorio would climb many ladders in life and always make it to the top. He will be remembered for his relentless pursuit of excellence and his indomitable spirit. His tenacity only ceased with his last breath, he never surrendered. His legacy lives on, a testament to a life well-lived and a spirit that will forever endure in those who loved him.

Vittorio is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Iole; his son Antonino (Christa); his daughter Donna; and his cherished granddaughter Isabella. He leaves behind dear friends Bert and Brigitta Lux, as well as extended family in Catania, Italy

Friends and family are invited to honor Vittorio’s life during visitation on Thursday, October 3rd, from 12 PM to 1 PM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 1 PM at St. Thomas More Church, 2617 East Ave, Rochester. He will be entombed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Vittorio’s memory be made to Our Lady of Mercy School Performing Arts, attn. Karen Higman, 1437 Blossom Rd., Rochester, NY 14610.

Roseann J Zona (Jesberger)
April 24,1943 – September 20, 2024

Loving Wife, Mother & Grandmother. Survived by her husband, William Zona; sons Christopher A Zona, Johnathan F Zona & David A Zona; daughter Melissa M (Lawrence Jr.) French; granddaughters Sora R French, Pearl A French, & Lilly E.J French; and grandsons William A.J. Zona, Lawrence T French III, & Sebastian V French.

Julio A. Rivera passed away on September 18, 2024.

CHARLOTTE – Andrew Palumbo Jr. passed away on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, at the age of 79.

He was predeceased by his father Andy Palumbo and stepmother Pat Palumbo; Mother Margaret Palumbo; and his wife Kathleen Palumbo.

He is survived by his brothers Wayne Palumbo, Kevin (Sharon) Dornan, and sister Kelly (Eddie) Roethel; His son Dave (Stacey) Palumbo and daughter Dawn Palumbo; grandchildren Danielle (Nikko), Joe (Daniella), Alex (Fiona), Katie, and Anthony. Great grandchildren Enzo, Joey, Luciano and Siena; several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Andy was cofounder of The Original Charbroil House in Greece, NY. He poured his heart and soul into the business. He made many great friends with customers through the years. Andy and Kathy loved traveling. They spent winters in Florida at their condo in Pompano Beach. They enjoyed taking their children David and Dawn to Disney world each year. Andy shared a close bond with his brother Wayne. He will be missed by many.
A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, September 26th from 4-7PM at the Barnard Party House, 360 Maiden Lane Rochester, NY 14616.

Maria Salerno

Passed away at 102 on September 4, 2024. Predeceased by her husband Michele and grandson Fabio. Survived by her children Cherubina Quattrociocchi, Gina (Vito) Somma, Raffaella (Grady) Hayes, grandchildren Claudio (Amy) Quattrociocchi, Sonia (Tony) Polidori, Stefania Quattrociocchi, Sabrina (Chris) Briles, Maurizio Somma, great grandchildren and loyal best friends Silvio Quattrociocchi and Maria Inglese.

She was an incredible woman loved by everyone she met.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 17th, at 10:30AM at St. Ambrose Church. Entombment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Marangely Moreno Santiago, age 26, Evangeline Ubaldo Moreno, age 4, and Sebastian Ubaldo Moreno age 2, passed away August 30, 2024.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, September 8^th, from 2-6PM with a service at 4PM at Dierna Funeral Home.