Dorothy R. Pezze

GUILDERLAND- Dorothy Ruth Haskell Pezze, homemaker, bookkeeper, fashionista and consummate prankster, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023, at her home, after a long battle originating from complications of squamous cell carcinoma. She was 94.

Dorothy was born on April 19, 1929, in New York City to the late James and Margaret (Rita Mary O’Connor) Haskell.  She was the second oldest of four children (James, Dorothy, Eleanor & Barbara). At age 5, the family left NYC and moved a farm in rural Beckett, MA. A few years later they moved to Pittsfield and lost all their belongings and memorabilia in a storage facility fire.

In 1947 she graduated from Pittsfield High School in Massachusetts and entered the work force as a Dental Assistant for Dr. Farrell & Son in Pittsfield. In 1949, she met her future husband (Frank), who swept her off her feet at a broom dance held at the local YMCA.

In 1951 they married, and moved to Albany, New York where she worked at NYS Department of Health. A faithful Catholic, she honored her marriage vows to be fruitful and multiple, by delivering the first of her six children. In the next 10 years she delivered 3 boys and 3 girls.

Later in life she began working as a bookkeeper for her husband’s insurance business, Pega Risk Managers, on Wolf Road. They later purchased a building in Guilderland and moved their business to Western Avenue where her two sons Kevin and Dan also worked. After she retired in 1992, they would spend winters in their second home in Venice Florida.

Dot was a fashionista well before the Kardashians arrived, and could have been a model at 5 ft 9 in. She made sure to wear the latest fashions and would dress us the same.

When she was a child, they couldn’t afford much, and one Christmas all she got was an orange in her stocking. As a result, she made sure our holidays, birthdays, and Christmas were different and would shower us with plenty of presents.

Dot was never one to pass up the opportunity for a good prank or to scare people. Of course, that trait was also passed on to her children.

She will be remembered for her quirky nautical sayings such as “I look like the wreck of the Hesperus” or “You look like three sheets to the wind”. Dot also made the best macaroni & cheese, pot roast with gravy and baked apple pie.

She was predeceased by her husband Frank of 55 years.  She is survived by her 6 children Frank (Susan) Pezze III, of Guilderland, Mary Ellen (John) Kokoletsos, of Clifton Park, Kevin Pezze, of Delmar, Dan (Carol) Pezze of Loudonville, Eileen Humes of Pennsylvania, and Kathleen (Dale) Jackson, of Guilderland.

She is survived by 16 grandchildren Jennifer, Meghan, Ashley, Francesca, McKenzie, Madison, Tara, Brian, Kristin, Michael, Ian, Cole, Danielle, Erin, Brandon, and Leah.

She is also survived by 20 great grand-children Abigail, Isabelle, Steven, Tanner, Molly, Samantha, Scarlett, Fallon, Brooke, Owen Cameron, Ava, Isla, Declan, Gianna, Charlotte, Grace, Skye, and Ellie. Within hours of passing her 21st great grandchild was born, named Troy.

The family would like to acknowledge Dot’s caring home health care aids, Dr Fran Vachon, daughter Kathleen Jackson, RN, St Peter’s hospice care team and Craig Ritchie, NP for their medical support. In addition, we appreciate her daughters, Eileen and Mary Ellen’s comfort & care during her final days, her son Frank’s maintenance skills and her loyal hairdresser, Staci Eigner.

Dorothy’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 20 at 11:30 AM in St. Madeleine Sophie Church 3500 Carmen Rd. Schenectady. A calling hour will be held immediately prior to the Mass from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at the church. The Rite of Committal and interment will take place in the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna immediately following the Mass.

In lieu, of flowers if you like to contribute in Dot’s memory to Catholic Relief Charities visit www.support.crs.org/support or Community Hospice at www.communityhospice.org/donate