Raffaela Rae Pasquariello

Raffaela Paquariello, 95, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2016 at Baptist Nursing Center surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 14th, 1921 in Alvignano, di Caserta, Italy, the daughter of the late Angelo and Maria (Lotano) Fazzone. As a young girl she boarded a ship to America, and Schenectady, NY became her new home. She was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School. At the age of 15 she met the love of her life, Stephen Pasquariello. They married and for the next 73 years they remained dedicated to one another and shared a love that endured the test of time. Together, they raised their children and taught them to love, value, and respect the bonds of family. For Rae, her family and her faith was what she cherished most. She had a beautiful singing voice and she enjoyed singing for family on Christmas Eve. She also sang for CYO productions at Bishop Gibbons and in the choir at the church of St. Paul, where she was an avid parishioner. She was involved in many of the church volunteer groups and was very proud of becoming a Eucharistic minister. She offered the Eucharist at Ellis Hospital, St. Clare’s Church and the Kingsway Arms facility for several years. Known better as “Rae”, to those close to her, was also a proud employee of the Sears Company for many years. Rae and Steve were adventurous world travelers…Hawaii, Poland, and Jerusalem were a few stops on their list. She was especially touched to be able to see Pope John Paul II, in person at the Vatican. She was proud to see that the values being taught to her great-great grandchildren were in line with those instilled in her from her own parents and grandparents. She will be missed by many but her presence will remain in our hearts. She is survived by her children, Stephen (Sandra) Pasquariello, Karen Hines, and Ralph (Susan) Pasquariello; her sisters-in-law, Elizabeth and Ruth Fazzone; brother-in-law, Peter Aldi; her grandchildren, Stephen (Shirley) Pasquariello, Jeff (Tracy) Pasquariello, Scott Pasquariello, James (Michele) Pasquariello, Josh Pasquariello, Jason (Kim) Pasquariello, Rowland (Heather) Elwell, Laurie Elwell, and Mary (Nicholas) Kollar; 21great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her brothers, A. Joseph and Anthony Fazzone; sisters, Mary (Fred) Tiberio, Margaret Aldi and Angie (Al) Constantino (Ralph) Ferri; her grandson, A.J. Pasquariello; nephews Joseph Fazzone, Al Tiberio, and son-in-law, Edward Hines. Family and friends were invited to call at the DeMarco Stone Funeral Home Inc 1605 Helderberg Ave Rotterdam on Tuesday November 22 2016 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Funeral services will begin today at 10:15 am at the funeral home. Immediately following a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am at St Paul’s Church Schenectady. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery Colonie