John De Marco

ROTTERDAM - John De Marco, 95, joined his loving wife, Elisa, family and friends in heaven on Thursday, March 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in the beautiful paese of SS. Giovanni e Paolo near Caiazzo, Caserta, Italy on February 22, 1931 to the late Guiseppe and Maria (De Filippo) De Marco.

John arrived in America in January 1957 after marrying his soulmate, Elisa Piccirillo, on October 18, 1956. Together for over 67 years, they were inseparable after settling in Schenectady, NY. He started his career as a baker for Mt. Pleasant Bakery, and then as a machinist for General Electric, where for over 30 years in Building 273, he proudly built steam turbine “buckets” with micron-level precision.

John was an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and The Sons of Italy. John loved “getting together” with family and friends whenever and as often as he could. Sitting together, having lunch together, talking about anything and everything, and just being together. He shared his experiences in life with everyone around him as often as he could, and it was beautiful. Golfing in the Niteman’s Golf League, bowling at Towne Bowling Academy, bocce at the Sons of Italy - it was less about the sport than it was about being with his friends and family (well, except bocce, he took bocce VERY seriously!). And of course, his daily visits with the boys at The Sons, which he enjoyed right up until his passing. And when getting together, he proudly served his award-winning ;) homemade wine while Elisa cooked up vegetables from their garden in their homemade sauce - traditions that will continue for generations. He was truly happy when the house was full, the wine was flowing, and everyone was laughing, playing cards, and maybe even a little dancing. Oh, how John loved to dance the mazurka, which he’s probably doing right now with his beautiful bride, Elisa.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Guiseppina (John) De Marco, and brothers, Angelo (Gioconda) and Paul De Marco. John is survived by his brother, Mario (Joanne), sister, Antonietta (Louis) Fazzone, sister-in-law, Felicia (Paul), and brother-in-law, Angelo (Carol) Piccirillo; his children, Maria (Farrand) Russell, Carol (Michael) Townsend, and John (Irene); his grandchildren, Erich (Alyssa), Kaitlyn (Casey), Kelsey, Courtney, Shawn (Ila), Zackary, Mikayla, Alyson, RJ, and Lindsey; his great-grandchildren, Jameson, Wesley, and Alden. He is also survived by his many cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends both here and in Italy.

Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, March 25th, from 4 to 7 PM, at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, March 26th, at 11 AM, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 1255 Pleasant St., Schenectady, followed by Interment at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.