Elisa Demarco

ROTTERDAM - Elisa De Marco, 89, joined her family and friends in heaven on Thursday May 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Caiazzo, Caserta, Italy on March 25, 1935 to the late John and Mariangela (Dagostino) Piccirillo. Raised in SS. Giovanni e Paolo, Elisa first arrived in America on August 2, 1954, before returning to her hometown to marry John De Marco on October 18, 1956. Together for over 67 years and sharing every moment of life together, they settled in Schenectady, NY where she worked as a seamstress at the Cheltingham Factory before working for 25 years at Linton High School as a matron. Elisa was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Women’s Society and The Sons of Italy. Family was her greatest treasure, Elisa lived for her family and blessed them with her skill in the kitchen and an endless stream of exceptional cooking and baking. She prepared meals on a moment’s notice, any time day or night, cherishing any opportunity to gather family and friends.  She had an amazing memory and would recount stories with remarkable detail from all times in her life. She was a connector, calling her friends and family regularly, just to check-in and make sure everything and everyone was ok. She was patient, kind, attentive, prayerful, and always generous. Her own personal challenges were secondary, she was constantly thinking about others and concerned for their well-being, right up until her last breath. She leaves behind a legacy of tradition, an example of love, and the joy of making life worth living. She will be terribly missed and forever loved. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Anthony (Patricia) Piccirillo.

Elisa is survived by her beloved husband, John De Marco; her brother Angelo (Carol); her children, Maria (Farrand) Russell, Carol (Michael) Townsend, and John (Irene); her grandchildren, Erich (Alyssa), Kaitlyn (Casey), Kelsey, Courtney, Shawn (Ila), Zackary, Mikayla, Alyson, RJ, and Lindsey; her great grandchildren, Jameson, Wesley, and Alden. She is also survived by her many cousins, nieces and nephews, her dear brothers and sisters-in-law, and many friends both here and in Italy, many of whom she called daily.

Calling hours will be held on Monday May 20th from 4 to 7pm at the DeMarco Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave, Rotterdam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday May 21st at 10am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 1255 Pleasant St, Schenectady, followed by interment at the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Condolences can also be posted at demarcostonefuneralhome.com.