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In Loving Memory of Dominic LaSpina

With profound sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son, Dominic LaSpina, on September 25, 2024, at the age of 24.

Dominic is predeceased by his loving grandparents, Peter and Madeline Muscarella, Robert McNeil, and Uncle Tom (Aunt Marisa) LaSpina. He is survived by his devoted parents, Desiree and Dave LaSpina, cherished grandmother Marie McNeil, dear brother David LaSpina II (Alexandra Goodwin), and beloved Uncle Peter (Aunt Sheryl) Muscarella. He will be greatly missed by his cousins Stevie Lynn, Peter Jacob, and Nicholas Muscarella, Nicholas, and Mariah LaSpina, along with many extended family members and friends.

Dominic lived his life with passion, courage, and a relentless drive for success. His academic achievements in high school included consistently making the honor roll, while his athleticism shone through his love for cheerleading. A standout in the sport, Dominic and his Webster Schroeder Co-ed Cheer team won Sectionals in 2018. One of his proudest moments came when he became the first-ever competitor to score a perfect 300 at the Eddie Meath All-Star Cheer Competition, earning All County Honors.

Dominic’s talent led him to the University of Cincinnati, where he thrived both as a Division I cheerleader and a dedicated student. His proudest academic achievement was graduating in April 2024 with a Bachelors Degree in Fashion Design. Go Bearcats!

Dominic will always be remembered for his infectious smile, boundless energy, and his unwavering loyalty as a friend. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him, bringing love, fun, and laughter wherever he went.

Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, November 12th, 3-7 PM at Dierna Funeral Home (2309 Culver Rd). His Funeral Mass will take place Wednesday, November 13th at 10AM at Holy Spirit Church, 1355 Hatch Road, Webster, NY 14580.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dominic’s honor to Meg’s Gift, Inc at PO Box 876 Penfield NY 14526

Vincent J Boccardo

Webster: June 10, 1926 – October 19, 2024.
Survived by his children, Margie Marino (Tom Pannoni), James (Linda), Doug (AnneMarie), Greg (Mickie Marvin), grandchildren James, Lindsay (Lauren Moffatt), Kristina (Aidan Aktouf), Nicholas, Thomas, Chelsea, Mackenzie, great-granddaughter Brooklyn, as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by Virginia (Steehler), the love of his life and wife of 63 years, his parents Antonio and Maria Boccardo, his brother Victor, and their baby brother.

Throughout his life, Vince was devoted to his family. He retired after 37 years of service as Battalion 2 Chief with the City of Rochester Fire Department. As a final act of kindness, Vince was a donor to Finger Lakes Donor Recovery, to assist burn victims and others.

Family and friends will gather at Dierna Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 29th from 12-2PM followed by a brief prayer service at the funeral home. Private interment. Donations can be made to The School of The Holy Childhood.

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.

Jean Pawlowitz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jean Marie Pawlowitz, a loving mother, a remarkable woman, and a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Jean’s life came to an unexpected end on July 31, 2024. She was 59 years old.

 Jean’s nurturing spirit, unwavering support, and boundless love will forever live on in the hearts of her father, Roger, brother, Mark, and children, Timothy, Kaley, and Ashley.

Jean was very much known for her warm and caring personality. She had a generous heart, always ready to lend a helping hand or ear to any one at any time in need. Her kindness and compassion touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jean’s memory will be forever cherished by her family and friends. Her spirit will continue to inspire us all to be better individually to others. In our hearts, she lives on, and we will forever be grateful for such a remarkable woman who made a lasting impact on everyone around her. May she rest in peace amongst the angels.

 A memorial service to celebrate Jean’s life will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at the Ellison Park Hazelwood Grove Pavilion at 3:00 p.m.
If desired, flowers and donations made to the family may be sent to Dierna Funeral Home, 2309 Culver Rd. Rochester, NY 14609.

Cpl. Donald L. Pero, a proud Marine and survivor of the WWII and the Battle of Iwo Jima, passed away peacefully at home as he wished with his family by his side July 4, 2024.
Predeceased by his second wife, Rosemarie “Penny” Senz, and his first wife, Mary Dovolo. Survived by his daughter, Anne Nowak, son, Paul Shafer, best friend and grand-daughter, Brandy Shafer, nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, including: Melissa, Kenly, and Jordan Shafer, Jake, Cecilia, and Charlotte Nowak, special niece Luann Pero, and his amazing care angels. Predeceased by parents Walter and Anna (Scherer) Pero; Siblings Mary Heberger, Walter and Oscar Pero, and Beatrice Speciale; daughter Donna Henry; and many dear friends and Comrades.
Friends may call on Sunday July 7th from 1pm – 5pm at Dierna Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial at St. Cecilia’s Church, where Don was a founding parishioner, on Monday, July 8th at 10am. Internment directly following at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Veterans Outreach Center, Inc of Rochester.

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Yazmin (Jazzy)DelValle, on June 14th, 2024 at the young age of 44.
Yazmin is survived by Felix Rios, Manases Martinez, Brendaliz Rodriguez, Alisia Rios, Eduardo Rios (Melissa Rios), Dionicia DelValle and Emmanuel DelValle. As well as many aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins and friends. She is predeceased by her mother Rosalina Perez.
Yazmin was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico and raised in Rochester N.Y. She was the eldest of five siblings. Yazmin’s greatest love and passion was
her family, friends and partner Brendaliz. She enjoyed spending time sight seeing, dancing, singing, coloring and having dress up parties
with her furbaby Chloe.
Yazmin’s memory will forever live on in our hearts.
Visitation will be held at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Road on Friday June 21st, from 1-4pm.

Marjorie J. Aures

Greece, NY. Passed peacefully on March 12, 2024, at age 91 surrounded by her loving family.

Devoted wife of the late Glenn Aures Sr., loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is survived by her loving children Bonita Aures, Linda (Tom) Harissis, Glenn Aures Jr., Marsha (Doug) Anderson; her beloved grandchildren Michael Martuscello, Mark, Alan and Lindsay Harissis, Keith and Aron Williams, Glenn (Ashley) Aures III, and Wendy Marlatt; cherished great grandchildren, Michelle Martuscello, Lucas and Isabella Marlatt, Finley Rae Williams, Everly, Liam and Caiden Aures; her sister Carole A. Blandford; son-in-law Kim Williams; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her beloved daughter Glenda Williams and beloved daughter-in-law Mary Aures.

Marge looked forward to family gatherings and summers around the pool. She enjoyed her job as a bank teller, took pleasure in gardening and was quite skilled in needlepoint and crewel embroidery.

Marjorie will be dearly missed.

Service to be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice in Marjorie’s memory.

Paul D. VanOrden “The Painters Painter”

Irondequoit- Feb. 22, 2024 at 73. Predeceased by his parents, siblings Dorothy, Betty, Alice, Kenny, Jimmy, Billy, Richard, David, Bud and Gary, great grandson Frankie, and in-laws Sandra and Robert LaDolce. Survived by his wife Marianne, children Paul II (Heather), Marianne (Robert), Christopher (Kelly), Carl, Heather (Corey), Timothy (Sarah), many grandchildren, great grandchildren, beloved in-laws Mark (Leaf) Christensen, Jan (Dave) Williams, and Carol Cole, nephews Duane, Darren, Gary, Joe, Larry and many more nieces, nephews, good friends and his best friends Jose (Norma) Gonzalez and Alfonse “Al”.

Calling hours will be Wednesday 5-8pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd.

Judith Ann Borzilleri

On December 28, 2023, at the age of 77, Judith Borzilleri passed from this life into the loving arms of our Lord. Judy was the daughter of the late Peter and Elda Borzilleri. She is predeceased by her sister Madelyn Chinelly, survived by her four nieces: Cynthia Chinelly (John Dufresne), Melissa Florin, Hiedi Chinelly, Kristine Sisca (Roger). Great niece / nephews: Amanda Altman (Alan), Christopher Florin (Jessica), Tristan Dufresne, Connor Sisca, John-Peter Chinelly. Many dear friends and cousins.

As an administrative assistant at Legal Aid Society of Rochester, Judy was very passionate about her work and was loved by all her coworkers. She had a zest for life, was very giving, and deeply enjoyed spending time with and spoiling her family.

No calling hours. Her funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, January 5th, 10AM at St. Ambrose Church. Interment, Irondequoit Cemetery.

Isabel Mari Albarran

Rochester, NY – at 80 years old passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 14, 2023, after a long illness.
Isabel is predeceased by her parents Isabelino & Asuncion Carrion Padilla; siblings Victor Sierra, Santos Sierra, LaRubia, and Pilar Sierra; stepson Francisco Albarran; and step-grandson Wilver Rosado.
Survived by her loving husband Israel Albarran; children Elizabeth (Jose) Ayala, Ed (Dennis) Albarran, Richard (Kisha) Albarran; stepdaughter Nilda (Oscar) Albarran; grandchildren Julio Alvarado, Yahaira (Arthur) Roe, Alexa Ayala, Richard Albarran Jr.; great-grandchildren Arthur “Coco” Roe, Arriana Alvarado, Isabella DiPasquale; step-grandchildren Michelle (Will) Jones, Willie Rosado, and Josie Rosado; sisters Doris (William) Otero, Ramona Torres, Delia Martinez, Francisca Picon; and many great nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Isabel was born May 14, 1943, in Manati, Puerto Rico to Isabelino & Asuncion. She was the youngest of 9 children. Isabel got married to her husband Israel on August 5, 1963, and moved to Brooklyn, NY. She worked for the Rochester City School District and Monroe County for 22+ years. She was brave and strong – she would walk to School 22 every day. While in Rochester, Isabel and her family became part of the St. Michael’s Church family. In 1998, doctors told Isabel the best thing for her health would be to move to a warmer climate, so she and Israel moved to Puerto Rico. They lived there 22 years until Isabel was forced to come home to Rochester, NY due to her declining health. Isabel defied the odds of passing away on February 4, 2020, when she went into the hospital with congestive heart failure and was intubated – yet her time was not then.
Isabel could cook her butt off – one of the last dishes she made was Mofongo. Everything she made was delicious.
One of our favorite memories with our mom was having coffee, cheese, and bread every Sunday after church with our family.

We would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hildebrandt Hospice Center for their amazing care and kindness they showed our mom.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, November 21 from 4-8PM at Dierna Funeral Home.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, November 22 at 10AM at St. Michael’s Church 859 N. Clinton Ave. Rochester, NY 14605. Interment immediately following at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.