Carmen Michael DePoalo

Carmen Michael DePoalo, 75, passed away on September 25, 2026, at home with his loving family by his side.

Carmen was born in Schenectady, New York on April 1, 1951, to the late Salvatore and Ruth DePoalo. Carmen was predeceased by his sister, Christine Pierce and brother, Phillip DePoalo, who he missed every day. Carmen was highly regarded by his family and loved immensely, especially by his late Uncle Nick Pallotta and several other aunts, uncles and grandparents.

Carmen was a Hungry Hill kid, attended Schenectady schools, and graduated in June of 1969 from Mont Pleasant High School. Carmen was a member of the UNDEFEATED 1967 football team that captured the NYS Class A Championship. During his high school years, he became a Pop Warner Coach to a group of young boys who did not have a coach, which is where and how his coaching career began.

Shortly after graduation, Carmen joined the Army National Guard and honorably served for 3 years.

Carmen started working at General Electric in 1971. A natural-born leader, Carmen worked his way through the ranks, holding many official titles, including Chief Shop Steward. Ultimately, he was elected to many seats within the Local 301 IUE CWA, local and national committees. In 2001, he was elected Business Agent and held that office until retiring in 2011. Today, he holds the longest tenure as Business Agent.

Carmen's passion for coaching, football, and service continued throughout his life. He was the Founder and President of the Rotterdam Girls Softball League, Assistant Varsity Track Coach at Mohonasen High School, and Head Girls Varsity Softball Coach at Mohonasen High School. In 1983, he resurrected the Mohonasen High School football program. He held coaching positions with Schenectady/Belmont Pop Warner from 1967-1980, 1987-2007, and 2011-2017. In 2007, he became Head Football Coach at Schenectady High School for two seasons, returned in 2018, and retired in 2024. He also coached at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons High School and Scotia-Glenville High School for some time. During the pandemic, due to of a lack of certified coaches, he even became the Schenectady High School Cheer Coach.

Carmen is survived by his loving and dedicated ROCK, Paula Grossi-DePoalo, his sons, Michael DePoalo, Christopher DePoalo, and Jeremy DePoalo; his step-children, Curtis (Progga) Hannah and Christina (Joe) Lebrecht; his grandchildren, Jason DePoalo, Vanessa DePoalo, Brianna DePoalo, Anthony DePoalo, Carmella DePoalo, Catalina DePoalo, Mario Hannah, CJ Hannah and Gia Lebrecht; his great-grandchildren, Shawn Coons, Scarlet Rose Coons, Elliana DePoalo and Ivory Melendez. All 13 will miss their POPPY who didn’t go a day without staring at their photos and watching their videos. Carmen is also survived by his first wife, Deborah DePoalo; his brother-in-law, TJ Pierce and sister-in-law, Carol DePoalo; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and the entire Grossi clan.

Carmen was a member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Glenville, where he volunteered in the catechism program.

Carmen had many special friends that he loved and cherished. He touched so many lives, but his main love was molding young people into good citizens and productive adults. His love and support for all who he touched was immeasurable.

The family would like to thank and recognize the following physicians and their staff: Dr. Theodore Chang, Dr. Kerri Ann Gray, Dr. Comley Sood, and the entire staff of St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany, New York, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital, New York, New York, and Dr. David and Dr. Patricia Weck.

Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 5216 Western Turnpike, Guilderland, New York.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 1, at 9:00 AM, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 1235 State Street, Schenectady, New York.

Interment will be held privately for the family, at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, New York.

The family requests that no flowers be sent and in lieu, to please make memorial contributions to St. Peter’s Health Partners Oncology Department, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Community Hospice of Saratoga.