Nina Gazzillo

Rotterdam – Nina (Della Rocco) Gazzillo passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the age of 78.

Nina was born in Schenectady on February 8, 1947, to the late Mario and Edith (Vibbard) Della Rocco. She was raised in Schenectady and was a graduate of Linton High School. Nina studied and trained as a hairdresser, a vocation that prepared her for a forty-year career with Mr. James Beauty Salon in downtown Schenectady. Through her work, Nina formed lasting relationships with her clients, many of whom became friends. She took great pride in helping others feel confident and cared for, offering not only her skill but also her kindness and often a listening ear.

A resident of Rotterdam since 1982, Nina enjoyed quiet times in the comfort of her home when not cutting hair. She was deeply family-focused and devoted much of her time to her loved ones, especially her sons, Damon and Ryan. She will be remembered for her cooking, her love of animals, and her selflessness in assisting and helping others.

She was the loving mother of Damon Petersen and Ryan Petersen and his wife, Dana; sister of Joan Pater and the late Judy Hill and Nicholas Della Rocco; aunt of James Pater, Dawn Fuller, and Bianca Della Rocco; and great-aunt of Chad Fuller.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam, NY 12306. A prayer service will conclude the visitation at 3:00 p.m. and will be officiated by the Reverend John F. Tallman. Private inurnment will be held at a later date at Schenectady Memorial Park Cemetery.

Those wishing to express their sympathy to Nina’s family may do so online at www.demarcostonefuneralhome.com