Romolo Pede Sr

Rotterdam - Romolo Pede Sr., 79, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 4, 1942, in Castelliri, Italy, one of seven children to the late Ignazio and Sofia (Paolucci) Pede. As a teenager, Romolo worked making handmade pasta in Rome, Italy. It was at this time, Romolo’s passion for pasta making began. In 1963, at the age of 21, Romolo immigrated to America and settled in Schenectady. Soon after arriving in America, Romolo met his wife of 56 years, Rose (Sbardella). Romolo and Rose’s story is one of unconditional love and support. In 1967, filled with vision and determination, Romolo established Pede Brothers Italian Specialty Foods. Romolo worked hard to provide his patrons with the finest quality Italian pastas and specialty food products. Romolo was proud that his children have successfully carried on his legacy with Pede Brothers celebrating 55 years in business this year. Romolo relished in times surrounded by family and friends. He cherished the winters he and Rose spent in Naples, Florida. Romolo looked forward to Thursday nights at the Sons of Italy socializing with friends and playing cards. In the fall months, Romolo found great joy bringing his Italian heritage of winemaking to the community by selling wine grapes. He took pride in making wine and especially loved teaching others the art of winemaking while sharing a glass of his award-winning wine. Relatives of Romolo who will carry on his legacy: his beloved wife, Rose; his adored children, AnnMarie, Romolo Jr., David, Christine (Rico) and Lisa; treasured grandchildren, Amber (Camron), Danielle, Alexis, Tara, Sophia, Nina, Luke and Ava; brother, Roberto (Elenora), sisters, Gilda, and Italia of Italy and Maria (Orazio) of Canada, brother-in-law, Leo (Carol); and cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren here, Canada, and in Italy. Romolo was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raffaele and Colomba; brother, Sante, sister, Yolanda, sister-in-law, Santinela, and brother-in-laws, Ettore, Donato and Pietro. He was loved and admired by many for his generosity and drive. As a father and grandfather, he passed down unlimited knowledge to his children and grandchildren with the hope of preserving his traditions. Romolo faced his illnesses and life challenges with grace and stubborn determination. He refused to miss out on a single moment of the wonderful life he and Rose created with their family. The quality of Romolo’s life can be attributed to the love and attention given to him by our mother, Rose. Our family would like to recognize the exceptional support provided by our father’s doctors. Dr. Cindy Chan, Dr. Thomas Schumacher and Dr. John Nolan became an extension of our family. A warm thank you to the team at Fresenius Kidney Care-Capital District Dialysis for the care provided to our father over the years. Romolo was a proud member of the Grabriele D’Annunzio Lodge 321 Order of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. Donations may be made in memory of Romolo Pede Sr. towards the Sons of Italy Scholarship Fund and sent to the Sons of Italy, Lodge 321, 2984 Hamburg Street, Schenectady, NY 12303. Family and friends are invited to call at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam, NY 12306 on Sunday, December 4, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Funeral services will begin on Monday, December 5, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 at St. Anthony’s Church, 331 Seward Place, Schenectady, NY 12305. Entombment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park, 2150 Central Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12304.