Obituary of Patrick J. DelPiano
Patrick (Pat) J. DelPiano passed away peacefully on Monday, May 29, 2023 at Rome Health.
Pat was born in Rome on November 1, 1942 to Angelo and Susan Gulla DelPiano. He graduated from Rome Free Academy and went on to further his education with degrees from St. Gregory’s College in Oklahoma, the University of Tampa, and SUNY Cortland. On August 9, 1969 he married the former Marlene M. Schaefer; a marriage of over 53 years filled with love, laughter, travel, friendships, and good food. Pat was a teacher in the Rome City School District retiring in 1999 after many years of service predominantly at Denti and Parmalee. He also taught at Bellamy and Gansevoort. He was the Vice President of the Rome Teachers Association for many years and was often lauded by his former students as, “the BEST sixth grade teacher”. After he retired from teaching, Pat became the principal at St. Peter’s School in Utica where he spent three years leading students and staff. He greatly enjoyed his work as a teacher and a principal and loved seeing his former students. Pat was a car enthusiast and won many awards for his meticulous care of his beloved 1981 Corvette. He was an excellent chef/gardener and loved making homemade wine, sausage, and all kinds of meals for his family and friends. He will always be remembered for his infectious smile, positive attitude, and lighting up a room.
Pat is survived by his wife Marlene, his “daughter” and “son-in-law” Sachiyo and Herbert Liebhaber. He is also survived by one brother, one sister, and one sister-in-law, and one brother-in-law; Philip DelPiano (John Grabowski), Christine (Guy Giamporcaro), Cynthia A. DelPiano, and James Schaefer, nieces and nephews; Andrea (Marc) Falvo, Michael (Carly) DelPiano Jr., Sue and Denise Schaefer, Jimmy, Mark, Brian, Debbie, Julie Schaefer, and James and Elena Giamporcaro as well as several cousins. Pat also had a special bond with his great niece; Liza Falvo and his great nephew; Jacob DelPiano. Pat leaves behind scores of beloved friends, especially Peter Maio and Dominick Tagliaferri. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Michael J. DelPiano Sr., and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Catherine Schaefer.
Pat’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the entire staff at the Rome Health Emergency Room, the Lee Center Fire Department and EMTs who went above and beyond the call of duty.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Friday, June 2, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5748 Stokes Lee Center Road, Lee Center, with Fr. Robert Kelly officiating.
Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association, St. Jude, or the Lee Center Fire Department.