Obituary of Theresa M Pristera

Theresa M. (Froio) Pristera

1924 – 2026

Theresa M. (Froio) Pristera, 102, of Rome, passed away on Tuesday July 14, 2026, at Rome health, with her loving family at her side. She was born in Rome, N.Y. on March 2, 1924, daughter of the late Bernard and Theresa Tallerino Froio. Theresa was educated in Rome schools, and graduated from Rome Free academy, class of 1942. She was employed by the former Carl’s Drugstore of Rome for over 20 years as a Tobacco Clerk. On October 23, 1947, Theresa was united in marriage to Carmen T. Pristera. He passed away on October 28, 1990.

Theresa was member of St. John the Baptist Church, and the Ava Dorfman Senior Center in Rome. She was a very loving, kindhearted Mother, Grandmother, and Godmother, with an easy-going attitude and her door was “always open”. Theresa loved baking and cooking, using old fashioned Italian Family recipes. She also loved BINGO and playing the slot machines at Vernon Downs. Theresa was the last sibling of 10 in her family of twelve.

Surviving are two sons, Anthony (Kathleen) Pristera, and David (Tanya) Pristera, of Rome, a daughter, Bernice Merrill, of Rome, as well as grandchildren, Jackie (Larry) Fisher, Toni-Lynn Destito, Christopher (Joe) Pristera, of Rome, Brian (Sue) Pristera, of Clinton, Ann Marie Pristera, Beth Ann Pristera, of Rome, Carmen Pristera, Jr. of Florida, Jonathan Nielsen of Florida, and Jessica Merrill, of Rome, as well as two special great-grandchildren, Salyscia and Liliana Pristera, and special nieces and nephews, Bernie and Maxine Froio, California, Frannie and Gary Payne of Florida, Mary Lickfield, and Arthur and Sharon Lomascolo, of Rome. She was predeceased by her parents, Bernard and Theresa, her husband Carmen, son, Carmen J. Pristera, grandson, David Pristera, granddaughter, Terri Nielsen, sisters, Mary, Catherine, and Connie, as well as brothers, Tony, Patsy, Ralph, Joseph, Tubby, and Benny.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the CNA’s and LPN’s on 3 North and 3 West of Rome Health, especially, Shayla, Stacy, Jilly, Pam, Chrystal, and Nicole, as well as Sue and Mary of EOV, all for their exceptional care and compassion shown towards Theresa during her stay.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick Street, Rome. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome, N.Y. 13440, on Thursday July 16, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.