Virginia M. Pollastro's Obituary
Our mom, Virginia, “Part of the Greatest Generation,” passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, February 13, 2017 surrounded by her loving family at the age of 95. She was known as “Skidley” to her family, “Ginny” to others, and loved by all.
Born in Syracuse, NY to immigrant parents, the late Vito and Cecelia from Bari, Italy, Virginia was the second youngest of 10 children. As a child of the Depression years, she had to leave high school before her senior year to help support her family. It wasn’t until later in life that she was able to fulfill her lifelong dream and goal of receiving her high school diploma.
Virginia was part of the many dedicated women in the workforce during WWII. She was a real “Rosie the Riveter” working at Brown-Lipe Chapin where she ran heavy machinery to build trigger assemblies for 25 caliber machine guns. She was so proficient in reading micrometers that the government sent her back to trade school to learn newer specs when they converted assembly lines to larger 50 caliber machine guns.
As a young girl, Virginia learned from her mom and older sisters how to cook and bake. As time went on, she became a master in the kitchen. Everything was made fresh and from scratch. A few of her favorite sayings were, “food in a box or can should stay there”; “when invited to someone’s house, never go empty handed.”
After the war, she met and married the love of her life, Dominick, and became a full time housewife, gourmet chef, five star baker, and a devoted mother raising five sons and one daughter.
Virginia also enjoyed hobbies such as bowling, SU basketball, Sunday NFL, reading novels, Bingo, and playing cards with friends on Saturday nights.
She is predeceased by her husband Dominick and son Richard.
Surviving are her daughter, Donna (Edward) Bambrick of Liverpool; sons, Michael (Adelaide) Pollastro of San Francisco, David Pollastro of Fayetteville, Gary (Teri) Pollastro of Mercer Island, WA., and John (Carmen) Pollastro of Lake Tapps, WA; eight grandchildren, Ryan Pollastro, Elise (James) Thayer, Jeff (Khushbu) Pollastro, Michael Bambrick, Alexandria, Daniel, Madison, and Joelle Pollastro; four great-grandchildren, Audriana, Chase, Amaya, and Karu; several nieces and nephews; and her loving dog BeBe.
We want to thank her niece Michele and Joe Castrilli for their frequent visits, delicious desserts, and invites to their house for family functions.
A Funeral Mass in celebration of Virginia’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 11:30 AM in Holy Cross Church, DeWitt. She will be buried in the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, joining her late husband Dominick.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to two wonderful organizations: Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088; and Helping Hounds, 6606 Kinne Road, Syracuse, NY 13214.
What’s your fondest memory of Virginia?
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Share a story where Virginia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Virginia you’ll never forget.
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