Category: Uncategorized

Roy N. Scalera
April 2, 1940 – February 11, 2025

Roy N. Scalera, 84, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025 in Fairfield, Connecticut. Born on April 2, 1940, in Rochester, New York, Roy was a self-made man who lived a life marked by dedication to family, career, coaching, and community.

A proud graduate of Aquinas High School in 1959, Roy excelled both in the classroom and on the field, starring in football (playing both offense and defense) and track. Roy credited Aquinas for providing him with a solid education, strong values and life-long friends. He continued to have lunch with his “59ers” classmates every month until he was well into his 80s. After graduating from Aquinas, Roy continued his education at Niagara University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1963.

In 1966, Roy married Janice (Muscolo), with whom he built a loving home until her passing in 2014. This fun-loving and deeply devoted couple created a beautiful home for their family and friends to enjoy. Roy was always game to throw a big party in the backyard (aka the “North 40”) or the 1950s style basement bar. Together, Roy & Janice hosted Christmas gatherings, Easter egg hunts, raucous birthday parties and graduation celebrations with rockin’ live music!

Roy enjoyed a long and successful career at Eastman Kodak, where he worked for over 30 years, managing hundreds of employees in the electronics division. One of his proudest professional achievements was working on the Gambit spy satellite program to provide intel to the US Government during the Cold War. Roy also directly served his country with honor as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserves during the Vietnam War era.

A passionate and gifted coach, Roy dedicated many years to mentoring young student athletes. From the late 1960s through the early 1980s, he led the St. Ambrose CYO 7th and 8th grade basketball teams to numerous championships with his intricate strategy and inspiring leadership. He also coached Pop Warner football, his sons’ soccer teams, and high school women’s basketball at Mercy High School, sharing his love of team sports and wisdom with generations of players. He often said a dedicated coach gets more out of the team sports than the players.

Roy had a fantastic sense of humor and a deep appreciation for life. He cherished time spent with family and friends, always bringing laughter to those around him with his sharp wit, inventive storytelling and unique catch phrases like “Sports fans, electric fans, Dewey Decimal fans …”

He is survived by his sons, Nicholas Scalera and Thomas Scalera and Daughters-in-Law, Carolyn Vasques Scalera, Brett Ravage and Rebecca Timlin-Scalera (deceased). He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Amelie, Bella, and Luca who brought him immense joy and pride.

Roy will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to those he loved. His legacy lives on in his family, his former players, and the countless lives he touched.

A celebration of Roy’s life service will be held at St. Ambrose Church on April 14, 2025 at 10:00am. Private burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roy’s memory to the Cancer Couch Foundation at www.thecancercouch.com.

“God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be. So He put his arms around you And whispered, “Come to Me”. With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we love you dearly, we could not make you stay. A Golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.”

On Monday, November 25, 2024, Jackie went to be with Our Lord at 89 years young.

Predeceased by her parents, George & Rose Morrow; sisters Bernie, Phyllis, and Pat.

Survived by her loving husband of 65 years, William Heinrich; daughter Corry; sons William “Buzz” (Corina) and Todd (Tracy); grandchildren Erica, Chelsea, Nicholas (Kate) and Justin (Jessica); great-grandchildren Brielle, Melody, Liam, and Jameson; sister Georgie; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

We are beyond thankful for all of the love and support we have received from our family and friends.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, December 7^th from 10-12:30PM with a service at 12:30PM at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. (near Norton St.).

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.