Category: Obituaries

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.

James P. Mabelis passed away on August 28, 2024 at age 75. He is survived by his sons James & Paul and also other loving family. Calling hours will be held on Friday September 6th from 11am-12pm at Dierna Funeral Home, followed by a prayer service and interment at Irondequoit Cemetery.

Charles N. Mortensen passed away on August 16, 2024 at 72.

Survived by his children Stephanie Mortensen, James Mortensen, Michael Cornish, Mary Cornish, and Phillip Swarts; 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Charles was a proud Army Veteran and spent the last 40+ years as a handyman.

A Celebration of Charles’ Life will be announced at a later date.

It is with broken hearts that the family of Eleanor Janet VerSchneider, 89, announces her passing on August 26th, hours after her beloved husband’s heavenly birthday and with family by her side.

Eleanor was predeceased by her parents, Gerald and Nina Vary, her beloved husband of 58 years, William (Bill) VerSchneider, brothers and sister in-law Father Neil VerSchneider, Claire and Jim Hayes and Eugene VerSchneider. Eleanor is survived by brother in-law John (Jack) VerSchneider, children Jeannette (Mike) Dohner, Nancy (Alan) Brown, Linda (Tom) Cup, Jerry (Kelley) VerSchneider, Jane (Steve) Malachowski and Tammey Pulitano, nine grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, longtime friend Barb Byer and her daughter, Ann Byer Fullerton, who Mom lovingly regarded as her “seventh child.”

Growing up in Lowville, NY she met and married her high school sweetheart. They both worked at the local family owned Ver’s Restaurant (now Jebs) before moving to Fairport in 1968. Being an only child, Mom cherished family and community. She made our clothes as well as for our dolls, made homemade cookies, pies, jams, and soups, teaching us to do the same. Mom was known as “The Pie Lady” at the Fairport Farmers’ Market, our home was “The Popcorn Ball House” at Halloween and the place where “stray” cats found a loving home.

Mom loved and cared for countless children through her “word of mouth” homebased daycare and therefore, our family expanded tenfold. Eleanor will be remembered for her kind heart, unconditional love for God and all whose lives she touched, her beautiful blue eyes and singing voice and her deep and everlasting love for Dad.

The VerSchneider family would like to extend deep and heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Cottage 3, Home 1 of the Jewish Home of Rochester as well as her Care Team who cared for Eleanor for the past two years. Their genuine love for, attention to, and personal connection with Eleanor fostered the joy and love she felt right up to the last days of her earthly life.

A Celebration of Eleanor’s life will take place on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 1-6PM at Hopkins Point Lodge at Mendon Ponds Park 95 Douglas Road Honeoye Falls, NY 14472.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eleanor’s memory to Dementia Society of America, GESU School (Philadelphia, PA), Lollypop Farm, or other agencies of choice supporting animals or those in need.