John Demarco

Rotterdam - John DeMarco of Rotterdam was granted his angel wings on December 16, 2020, at the age of 92 years old. After months of failing health, he passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side. John was born and educated in San Giovanni e Paolo, Italy, and was the son of the late Giuseppe and Maria (Marra) DeMarco, and loving husband to his late wife Giuseppina for 64 years. After living through hardships and World War II, John and Giuseppina immigrated to the United States with their three children in 1966 and settled in the Schenectady area. He was employed as a baker at Mont Pleasant Bakery for many years. From there you may have seen him proudly wearing his crossing guard uniform as he ushered students safely across Hamburg Street to what is now Bradt School for more than 30 years. Both John and Giuseppina were longtime parishioners of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and members of the Mt. Carmel Seniors. John lived a full and robust life. He had a great sense of humor and loved sharing his “life lessons” and “stories from Italy” to anyone who would listen. During the summer months there is only one place you would find him, working in his amazing garden. From broccoli rabe to zucchini, he grew all his favorites and happily shared his harvest with his family and friends. In the colder months he enjoyed hunting with his dog Lou-Lou. John was predeceased by his wife Giuseppina, his sisters Teresa (Antonio) Santabarbara and Carmela (Stefano) Buonomo, and grandson, Steven J. Signore. He is survived by his daughter Anna Signore (Anthony), Joe DeMarco (Pina), and Paul DeMarco (Carolyn); grandchildren, Daniel DeMarco (Gina), Stephanie Cairns (David), Jonathan Signore (Lauren), Amanda Mannato (Christopher), Jessica DeMarco, Julia Costello (Anthony), and Christopher DeMarco; and great-grandchildren Sofia DeMarco, Colin Cairns, Josephine Signore, Cameron Mannato, and Madeline DeMarco. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces/nephews and grand-nieces/nephews whom he was very close with both here and in Italy. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, private funeral services with immediate family were held at DeMarco Stone Funeral home and a Christian burial followed at the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. John’s family would like to thank Dr. Bong Yee and the Community Hospice team specifically, Katie, Mary, Cylon, Chi, and Ann for all their support and care over the last few months. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s name may be made to the Sons of Italy in America – Gabriele D’Annunzio Lodge 321, 2984 Hamburg St, Schenectady, NY 12303, or to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 1255 Pleasant Street, Schenectady, NY 12303.