Fernando "Fred" Schiazza

Schenectady - Fernando (Fred) Schiazza, 93, entered into eternal peace on December 21, 2020 after a brief but brave battle with Covid-19. Fernando was born on December 23, 1926 in Chieti, Italy, the son of the late Eugenio Schiazza and Maria Laura Sciocchetti Schiazza. In pursuit of a better life, he immigrated to Canada at the age of 25 with nothing but $5 and a dream. He then came to the US and settled in Schenectady after marrying his devoted wife Mary Pitaccio Schiazza, in June of 1955. Fernando was a skilled mechanic and opened a small vehicle repair shop in downtown Schenectady which successfully grew and relocated to become the award-wining F GMC Quality Garage, a GMC truck dealership and full-service repair and body shop. Fernando and his wife settled in Rotterdam until 2016 when they moved to Guilderland. Fernando was a talented gardener and an avid fan of the NY Yankees. He was known for his endless determination, incredible work ethic, and strong family values. There was nothing he could not or did not do when he had made up his mind. He was also a man of faith and was a communicant of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church in Schenectady. The Schiazza Family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center for their compassionate and loving care of Fernando over the last two years. The never-ending sacrifices made by all the devoted staff to help Fernando feel at home and comfortable, especially during these difficult days, will be forever remembered. Fernando was predeceased by his loving parents, his brothers Carmen and Dante, sister Albina Balata, son in law Randy Bowers, and dear friends Michael and Beatrice Rossi. He is survived by his adoring wife of 65 years, Mary; his daughter and her husband, Mary Ann and Keith Cady; his granddaughter Maranda Bowers; and his step grandchildren Brian and Rochelle Cady, Joe and Christine Persico, and Christopher Cady as well as Sandy and Carl Troiano who were like his own children. He is also survived by his brother in Italy, Armando (Franca), nine godchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Due to Covid-19 services will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in his name to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Schenectady.