Mary A. "Gerry" (Orsini) Vaccaro's Obituary
Mary A. “Gerry” (Orsini) Vaccaro, 99, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, at Elderwood at Liverpool. Born in Syracuse, daughter of the late Angelo and Mary (Finelli) Orsini, she was a beautician for many years at Powder Puff, Edwards, and later, The Jewish Home of CNY. She also was the owner of Sisters Three Restaurant in Mattydale with her two sisters, Lillian and Frances. Mary was a longtime communicant of Holy Family Church in Fairmount. She loved to knit afghans for her children and grandchildren, bake Italian cookies, she made delicious sauce and meatballs, and always enjoyed taking trips to Las Vegas and Turning Stone Casino. Mary also traveled to Italy and Hawaii with her late husband, James.
Along with her parents, Mary is predeceased by her husband, James, in 2023, as well as her sisters, Angela Bowe, Frances Joynt, and Lillian Muolo, and her brother, Richard Orsini.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Lorraine Wegerski; son, James R. (Denise) Vaccaro; four grandchildren, Andrea Pallone, Tara (Chase) Muratore, Jenna McDowell, and Anthony Vaccaro; seven great-grandchildren, Alexa, Anthony, Jackson, Luke, Anthony, Briana, and Dominic; brother-in-law, Nick (Ann) Vaccaro; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The Vaccaro family would like to thank the staff at Elderwood at Liverpool for their excellent care and kindness they showed to Mary during her stay there.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 10:30 – 11:15 A.M. at Holy Family Church, immediately followed by a funeral Mass in celebration of Mary’s life at 11:30 A.M. in the church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary’s name may be made to the Holy Family Church Food Pantry, 124 Chapel Dr. Syracuse, NY 13219.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
