Jay C Walley
60, passed peacefully on October 4th. Predeceased by his parents John A. Sr., and Barbara J.; brothers John A. Jr., Jeffrey A., and James L.
Survived by his sons John D (Chelsie Ross), Jeromy W (Brianna), Jacob J (Emma Kane); 2 grandchildren; sisters Joanne (William) Casey, Jeanne Sly, Janet (Salvatore) Laurro; and many nieces and nephews.
He will be deeply missed.
Dorothy F. O’Neil
October 8, 2024, at 101. Predeceased by her husband Robert, and son Thomas.
Survived by her son William (Sue); daughter Mary (Rick) Nyhan; daughter-in-law Donna; grandchildren Scott, Caitlin, Shawn (Lora), Thomas (Janelle), Kelly, Jennifer (Matt), and Rick; many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 11th at 10AM at St. Cecilia Church. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Mary Jweid Bates (June 14, 1928, Utica, NY – September 30, 2024, Rochester, NY) Our beloved mother, Mary Jweid Bates, 96, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones. She was a vibrant and energetic woman who never seemed to tire from caring for her family, preparing incredible meals, working in her garden, or sharing her good humor with everyone she met. Mary was generous, loving and would help anyone in need. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend. Three years ago, Mary suffered a stroke at age 93 that slowed her pace and challenged her independence, although her spirit remained intact.
Her parents, George Jweid and Zaheda (Mary) Hallak, immigrated from Aleppo, Syria with their parents who settled in Utica, NY at the turn of the 20th century. A large community of Syrian and Lebanese families attended St. Basil Melkite Catholic Church, where George and Zaheda met and were married. They had three sons and five daughters that were a lively and loving family. Her father and uncles established several neighborhood grocery stores known as Jweid & Sons and Mary and her siblings were involved in the family business. She even learned to work in their butcher shop.
Mary graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1946 and during her high school years she volunteered as a Red Cross candy striper. She had wanted to become a nurse, until the first patient she was to care for was already deceased. After a swift career change, Mary worked at General Electric as a circuit board assembler. That’s where she met the handsome, young foreman, James Bates.
After a brief engagement, Mary and Jim were married in June of 1954. They started their lives together in Utica, New York and enjoyed music, dancing, and socializing with their extended families. They started their own family and had five children over the next twelve years. Mary and Jim moved to Rochester in 1965, to engage in a new job opportunity and family adventure. When their children were grown, she went to work full time at Rochester Telephone, as a night shift operator. Mary retired after seventeen years of service with a full pension and a number of lifelong friendships with her female colleagues.
After 56 years of marriage, her adoring husband Jim, passed away in October 2010. Mary continued to enjoy her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, attending ball games, school concerts and plays, art exhibitions, graduations and weddings and also began traveling. She made sure everyone received birthday, anniversary and Christmas cards that included a little cash to celebrate with. Mary has always been the center and strength of her family and our memories of her will be her greatest gift to all who loved her.
Mary is predeceased by her husband, James Leo Bates; survived by her children Sharon Bates (Paul Miyamoto), Lynda (Terry) Stinson; James Bates; David Bates; Kathy (Timothy) Thomas; her beloved sister and lifelong friend, Jean Zombik; her grandchildren Erica Schultz (Zack Zeigler); Krista Fragos (James Snyder); Justin Schultz (Kim); Jessica Bates; Daniel Thomas (Natasha); Benjamin Thomas; and Jonathan Bates (Hannah); her great grandchildren Finneas and Beatrice Snyder; Ariana and Alexander Schultz; Olive and Everett Zeigler; Marceline and Dawson Bates; and many nieces and nephews. Mary is predeceased by her parents George and Zaheda Jweid; her siblings Anna Wakeel; Alice Mekel; Louis Jweid;
Agnes Cerro; Anthony Jweid; and Frances Jweid.
There will be a memorial mass on Friday, October 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 533 Humboldt Street, Rochester, NY 14610, where Mary was a devoted parishioner for almost six decades. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society.
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.
