Dona Balascio

Schenectady -Donata “Dona” Fiore Balascio entered into eternal rest on January 12, 2017, after a long illness. Dona was born in Schenectady (N.Y.) on January 18, 1928 to the late Gerardo and Carmela (née Caso) Fiore. She attended city schools and graduated from the former Mont Pleasant High School. Dona was employed by the 3M Company for 15 years and later worked as the lunch program supervisor for Hamilton Elementary School in Schenectady for more than two decades, where the students affectionately knew her as Mrs. “B.” In addition to her parents, Dona was pre-deceased by her husband of 56 years, Augustine Balascio, her son, Gerard, sister, Carmela DiCerbo, and brother-in-law, Michael DiCerbo. She is survived by her sons, Mark (Rebecca), and John Balascio; and grandchildren, Anthony, Joseph, and Michela Balascio; her sister, Mary Fiore, and brother-in-law, Daniel (Barbara) Balascio. In addition, Dona leaves behind her two nieces, Mary Ellen Huston and Michele (Frank) Ciervo as well as several other nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. A lifelong member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, during her time, Dona was active in her home parish serving in the Children’s Choir, Children of Mary, St. Theresa’s Guild, and as the Church’s Girl Scout Troop Leader for more than ten years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, January 17, 2017, 11:00 am, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 1255 Pleasant St, Schenectady, NY. A calling hour will be held prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 am. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home. Internment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made to Center for Disability Services, 314 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, NY 12208.