Obituary of Joseph C. Schillaci, Jr.

Joseph C. Schillaci, Jr. Joseph C. Schillaci, Jr., 65, of Rome, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, July 29, 2016, in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester. He was born on July 7, 1951, in Rome, NY, son of the late Joseph C. and Bambina Volpe Schillaci. Joe graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1969. On May 18, 1974, he married the love of his life Ann Varanese. Joe graduated from LeMoyne College and went on to obtain his Masters in Education from the College of St. Rose. He became a Special Education teacher at Strough Middle School where he spent his entire 33-year career. Joe was an active member of St. Paul's Church, but also faithfully attended morning mass at St. Peters Church. He was especially known for his constant availability to help fellow Romans with tasks large and small around town. Whether it was caring for the graves of those gone before him or the yards they left behind, Joe found special enjoyment in helping out in any way he could. Outside of Rome his most cherished time on earth came on his yearly vacations to Aruba with three generations of family. He was known for his constant laughter and smile even after his frequently unsuccessful nights at the casino. Joe was someone who always gave more than he asked and made friends with anyone he ever met. Surviving besides his loving wife of 42 years, Ann, are a daughter and son-in-law, Tricia and Brent Warzocha of Albany, NY, son Joseph III and Sarah Mosca of Charlotte, NC and two cherished granddaughters, Treva and Marina Warzocha. Also surviving are sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Phil Varanese and Mary Merrill, Mary "Pepper" Behr all of Oneida, NY, and Tim and Daria McElheran of Victor, NY, and Jackie "Chickie" Schillaci of Rome, NY; aunts and uncles including a special aunt, Nettie Volpe, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Joe was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Philip P. Schillaci, Sr. The family wishes to thank the many efforts of the staff at Rome Memorial Hospital ER and the Cardiothoracic Units of both, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica and Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 4, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Church with the Rev. Robert Kelly officiating, where friends are invited to attend. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Friends may call at Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome, on Wednesday, August 3, 2016, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution in Joe's name may be made to St. Paul's Catholic Church, 1807 Bedford St., Rome, NY 13440, the American Cancer Society, 100 Lomond Ct., Utica, NY 13502 or the American Heart Association, 120 Lomond Ct. Utica, NY 13502. To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com