Charlotte Relyea

Charlotte Relyea, 94, of Rotterdam, NY, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at Albany Medical Center. Charlotte was born in Schenectady, NY, to the late Dominick DeNovio and Gladys (Edward) Tebo-Koenitz. She later made her forever home in Rotterdam, where she built a life filled with love, family, and community. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and the love that she had for her family and friends. Charlotte graduated from Nott Terrace High School. After school, she worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Arthur Salvatore for eight years, then pursued the career she loved most as secretary to Principal Ross Stagnitti for over 20 years before retiring. She enjoyed accompanying her beloved husband, Howard, to the South Schenectady Fire Department, where he volunteered for over 49 years. Charlotte was also a longtime member of the South Schenectady Ladies Auxiliary.
Charlotte was predeceased by the love of her life, Howard Relyea Jr., whom she married on July 17, 1948. Together they shared a beautiful life and danced the night away to their song, “It Had to Be You.” She was also predeceased by her father- and mother-in-law, Howard and Alice Relyea Sr.; her brother-in-law, Richard Relyea; her sister-in-law, Carol Relyea; her son-in-law, Richard DeLorenzo; and her great grandson, Devon A. LaPrade. Charlotte is survived by her children, Howard (Jill) Relyea III and Charleen DeLorenzo, along with her cherished grandchildren: Michelle DeLorenzo, Jennifer (Randy) Smith, Richard DeLorenzo, Angela (Luigi) Sgueglia, James DeLorenzo, Christina (Michael) Alderdice, Mark DeLorenzo, and Michael (Michaela) DeLorenzo. She was also blessed with beloved great-grandchildren: David LaPrade, Gabriella (Josh) Hulse, Alexa (Nathan) Krouse, Damion Smith, Randi (Jake) Yaeger, Alyssa (Zack) Mule-Moses, Giuseppe Sgueglia, Caitlyn Alderdice, Marissa Alderdice, Richard DeLorenzo, Carmine DeLorenzo, Elizabeth DeLorenzo, Gianna DeLorenzo, Clarabella DeLorenzo, Natalia DeLorenzo, Antonio DeLorenzo, Sophia DeLorenzo, Emilia DeLorenzo, and Luca DeLorenzo. Additionally, she was blessed with great-great-grandchildren: Alessia Moses, Valentina Moses, Emiliano Moses, Damion Smith Jr., Sophia DeLorenzo, Mia DeLorenzo, Charlee Yaeger, Aria Krouse and Sullivan Krouse. She also leaves behind her most cherished friends, Rita Pasquariello and Pat Bubb.
Calling hours will be held on Friday August, 22 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Demarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave, Schenectady followed immediately by funeral services. Burial will follow at Schenectady Memorial Park. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate Charlotte’s life.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in MEMORY OF HOWARD AND CHARLOTTE RELYEA JR to South Schenectady Fire Dept. 6 Old Mariaville Rd, Schenectady NY 12306 Attn: Jill Relyea Charlotte’s family invites everyone to remember her warm smile, generous heart, and the love she so freely gave to all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, laughter, and devotion will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
Family and friends are invited to share on-line condolences and memories at DemarcoStoneFuneralHome.com.