Jeanette Polito

In Loving Memory

Jeanette (Mastroianni) Polito

September 20, 1936 - September 27, 2026

Rotterdam-Jeanette Polito, 90, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Born September 20, 1936, in Schenectady, NY.

Jeanette was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Petrillo) Mastroianni. She was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School (Class of 1955) and went to work as a secretary at General Electric (GE) before leaving to raise her family. She later returned to the workforce as a special education teacher’s aide in the Schalmont Central School District until she retired.

In Jeanette’s younger years, she participated in a women’s bowling league at Rolling Greens and ceramics classes with her sisters and daughters. After retirement, she enjoyed meeting her former coworkers out for lunch and spending time with her family. She lovingly prepared delicious meals for her family, with the highlight of the week being her Sunday “sauce” dinner with her children and grandchildren, where many fond memories were made around the table. She also enjoyed baking, reading, and travel, especially to visit her sons in Florida and her annual family trip to Wildwood, NJ.

Jeanette shared a wonderful marriage with her late husband and love of her life, James Polito. They were married for almost 65 years at the time of his passing.

Loving mother of Michele Fretto (late Robert), Cheryl Polito (late Randy Pardi), James (Lori) Polito, Daniel (Patricia) Polito, and Denise (John) Tidings.

Cherished grandmother of Robert (Virginia) Fretto, Stacy Hill, Dinelle (Kevin) Eaton, Paul-James (Tyra) Hill, Ciara (David) Moore, Courtney (Kevin) McGeary, Alex Cross, and Aidan Tidings.

Jeanette is also survived by her 13 great grandchildren and two sisters, Josephine Coppola and Donna Essery (late Jim), as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by five sisters, Antoinette (Patsy) Caffarella, Carmela (Victor) Sperduto, Delores (Ernie) Euler, Marlene (Louis) Mauro, Ann (Joseph) Esposito, and one brother, Louis Mastroianni. Jeanette was also predeceased by her mother-in-law, Benedetta Polito; sister-in-law, Carmela (James) Costanzo; and brother-in-law, Salvatore “Sam” (Angie) Polito, as well as three nephews and one niece.

We say goodbye to one special Matriarch of the Polito family and now she can be reunited with her husband and family we have lost. Your unwavering strength, kindness, and love will be forever cherished. God bless you Mom and May you Rest in Peace.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 9, from 9-10:30 am at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 210 Princetown Road, Rotterdam. Jeanette will be laid to rest at St. Cyril’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeanette’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or Our Lady Queen of Peace Church (www.olqprotterdam.org).