Rosemarie (Pagano) Bundy

Rosemarie Pagano Bundy, 87, of Dewitt, passed away on December 16, 2023. Born in Syracuse, she was the daughter of James V. and Catherine (Basil) Pagano. As an early brilliant student, she and her brother, Guy, appeared locally on the radio program, “Quiz Kids”. She was a graduate of North High, in 1958, at Le Moyne College, received a degree in chemistry and pursued further graduate studies at Marquette in Milwaukee. Owing to her fierce independence, and against her father’s negative opinion of women attending college, she financed her own way through college. She was active with the Pompeian Players in her teen years and also proved to be an accomplished seamstress producing many articles of clothing and especially formal dance gowns. Her “piece de resistance” was fashioning her own wedding gown. After marriage to her husband, Bob, they resided in Rochester for a number of years and began a family resulting in 3 children. Owing to career changes they returned to the local area with Rosemarie continuing to live in Dewitt until her death. Those who knew her well knew she had many quirky behaviors. Among them being her gifting of “good” chocolates, which were on the discount counter. Her mechanic, mail man, friends and family looked forward to receiving snow men at Easter, Easter eggs at Halloween and pumpkins at Christmas! Her local grocery store loved her penchant for dented cans. These behaviors all pointed toward her extreme dedication to recycling in all areas of her life. In later years, circumstances dictated drastic life changes with one necessitating Rosemarie finally gaining her driver’s license. She then found employment at Carrier Corporation, where her talent for writing and synthesizing volumes of information were put to good use. She produced product- operating manuals after conferring with engineers. After receiving an advanced degree in Library Sciences from Syracuse University in 1992, she worked as a librarian at SUNY Upstate Medical University. In 1995, she was honored during Women in Medicine Month by the American Medical Women’s Association for her outstanding contributions to medical student education and leadership in the medical profession. In 1996 and 1997, she was also presented with the President’s and Chancellor’s Awards for excellence in Library Science. Rosemarie has positively influenced her community through her active commitment to several organizations: Peace Action of Central New York, New Environmental Association, and the Executive Council of United University Professions, Syracuse Chapter. She is a prolific opinion writer and has submitted hundreds of letters to the editor, many of which have been published in the Post Standard. Her name signifies a defense of the little guy, a criticism of establishment and always, an argument for fairness and justice. She was predeceased by her parents, her son Robbie (and wife Kathy); brothers, Guy and James (and wife Patricia). She is survived by her children, Mark (Carol), Kathryn: brother, Nick (Marie) and sister-in-law, El Nora Pagano, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank her friends: Pat, Charlotte and Katherine for their constant support and love. Also, special thanks to John Henneberry, who helped make the final push to empty her house in order for sale a reality and her ultimate move to The Nottingham. A Memorial Mass will be held at All Saints Church, 1340 Lancaster Avenue, Syracuse, NY on February 2, 2024 at 11:00 am. The service will be live streamed at www.Allsaintssyracuse.org. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests contributions in memory of Rosemarie to the ROSEMARIE PAGANO BUNDY SCHOLARSHIP FUND AT LE MOYNE COLLEGE, Le Moyne College 1419 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse, N.Y. 13214. Rosemarie was eccentric, head strong and opinionated but was funny, generous, loving, a good friend and we will all miss her.