Laurel Saiz Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Laurel Saiz, 67, of Syracuse, passed away May 22, 2022 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC. Laurel was born October 27, 1954 to Ramon and Helen Saiz, and the younger sister of Elena Saiz. She was educated in the public schools of Centereach, Long Island. Laurel was an accomplished speaker and debater, which earned her several awards. Her mother helped to develop her interest in Broadway plays, especially musicals, by traveling into New York City for dramatic performances throughout her early years. Ramon, her father, developed her interest in her family’s culture through his stories and their travels to Spain to visit her cousin, Ramon, along with other Spanish relatives. Laurel received an Associate degree in Science from Suffolk Community College, a Bachelor of Arts from Newhouse School of Journalism, and a Master of Arts from the Maxwell School of Citizenship, where she was the dean’s graduate assistant. Laurel was an accomplished reporter for the Syracuse Post Standard, a public relations director for Syracuse Stage and journalism professor at Onondaga Community College. Laurel’s civic duties included being a speechwriter for several public officials, as well as being Union President of faculty of the Onondaga Community College. Laurel was a voracious reader, and never stopped learning. Some of her favorite interests included attending Broadway plays, quilting, completing puzzles, seeing every new movie, gardening, Star Trek, and traveling to visit presidential homes and libraries (of which she and her husband visited 43 of the 45). Laurel was an accomplished chef and baker; the range of dishes included paella, pesto, quiche, and many different cakes, pies, and cookies. Anyone who met Laurel would agree that she was one of the most caring, compassionate people they knew, and she was never happier than when she was helping her friends and family. Her husband, Ralph A. Bova, Jr., and two sons, Paul (Janelle) Bova and Manuel Bova, cherished each moment with her, and will remember her through the joy that she spread. She will also be deeply missed by her sister, Elena Saiz, and close friends, Cheri Rotelli, Naz Moricone, Leslie Molldrem, Kristine Kern, Shawn Jones, and her pets, Darwin and Salvo. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 4:00 – 6:30 pm, immediately followed by a celebration of Laurel’s life at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. In lieu of gifts and flowers, please donate to the OCC Foundation online at www.sunyocc/edu/give, with the following designations: Designation: other support Comment: Journalism Dept Tribute gift: Laurel Saiz

Laurel Saiz

October 27, 1954 - May 22, 2022