John R. Pascarella's Obituary
John R. Pascarella, 87, of Jamesville, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 7, 2018 surrounded by his loving daughters. He was born in Syracuse, son of the late Frank and Anna Pascarella. John grew up on the north side of Syracuse, attended North High School and met his only love, Rosalind at age 16.
He was a self-employed contractor, excavator and grader for most of his life and loved pointing out many buildings in Syracuse that he built along with his brother, Tony. His pride and joy was owning the Kathlin Building at 706 North Salina Street. His treasured times were Sunday family dinners and holidays. John began his career as a trained TV and radio technician; he continued working with his hands, and in his later years became known for many beautifully crafted birdhouses given to family and friends. His passions were playing cards, especially with his grandchildren, hunting, and his adored cars, better yet, washing those cars.
Besides his parents, John is predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Rosalind “Pudgy” Simone Pascarella; his brother, Tony Pascarella; sister-in-law, Donna Bonacci and brother-in-law, Roy Bernardi.
He is survived by his sister, Esther (Henry) Pagano; son, Joe (Lynne) Tesori of Dewitt; daughters, Linda O’Neill, Kathleen Pascarella, and Anne (Peter) Piraino, all of Liverpool, Donna Pascarella (Bill Leasure) of Jamesville, and Maribeth (Cosimo) Basile of North Syracuse; his grandchildren, Jaclyn and Joseph (Sarah) Tesori, John O'Neill, Bethany (Jason) Van Benschoten, Charley and Emily Piraino, Annie and Donna Mary Basile; sisters-in-law, Jacolyn Bernardi and Leta Pascarella; brother-in-law, Dr. Joseph Bonacci, many beloved nieces and nephews, especially his “paper boy”, Vanessa Pagano-Andrews, and his faithful “brother”, Tony Caimano.
Funeral services will be held 8:30 am on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of John’s life at 9:30 am in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Liverpool. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
Donations can be made to Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North St., Liverpool, NY 13088.
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