December 12, 2011

Papa's heart broke the day we lost Tyler; today they rejoice in the presence of the Lord! 

It is with great sadness our family and community mourns the loss of Michael A. DeMarco Jr., 83, a father, grandfather, brother, mentor and friend who left our earthly presence on Monday, December 12, 2011. With joyful hearts we celebrate Mike's reward, being at home with his Savior Jesus Christ.

Born in Schenectady, Michael was the son of the late Michael and Flora (Micco) DeMarco. At 12 years of age, Mike began working with his dad, who founded DeMarco Funeral Home. He was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School and the Simmons School of Mortuary Science in Syracuse. After receiving his license he joined the Army National Guard in Schenectady, serving as a medic for many years. A simple, hard working man, our dad took on many jobs to provide for his family. He was a man of integrity, a visionary. He taught us to work hard and to advocate for the families we serve. Dad loved his business and helped many with his knowledge and generosity. Dad was active in the community, his memberships included: Rotterdam District 2 Fire Dept., where he served over 50 years as a fireman and 20 years as a fire commissioner; Rotterdam Rotary; IDAKA; Sons of Italy; and past president of the Schenectady County Funeral Directors Association. His joy was having fun with his eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and spending time with family and friends.  Dad had an incredible passion for the outdoors and enjoyed many years of adventures such as traveling cross country with his family. Dad also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and friends locally and in Canada. Dad's all-time greatest adventure was the motor-home trip to Alaska with five of his pals where he had the "time of his life." We will miss Dad's silly jokes and incredible memory recalling details of people, places and events, and his visionary spirit.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Janet; his loving children, Michael (Donna), Kimberly (Larry) Noyes, Donald (Pamela); his grandchildren, Brittany and Taylor DeMarco, Justin (Jennifer) Noyes, Jamie (Ryan) Liscom, Jordan (Amanda) Noyes, Julianne (Terry) Dabravalskas and Ryan DeMarco; he also leaves behind one sister, Mary Ann Nass and his lifelong friend, Carmen Saglimbeni, who Dad considered more of a brother; nieces, nephews, many cousins, and many friends. Dad was predeceased by his daughter, Holly DeMarco and his beloved grandson, Tyler DeMarco; he was also predeceased by his sisters, Gloria Stone and Lenora DeMarco; brother-in-law and business partner, Francis Stone.

A calling period will be held Thursday, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. Funeral services will be private. Burial will be at Sts. Cyril and Method Cemetery in Rotterdam where Dad will be buried next to his beloved grandson, Tyler.

Special thanks to our Mom who was Dad's adoring and devoted caretaker; Dr. Robert Smith and the staff from Ellis Radiology who provided outstanding care, comfort and support; Dr. William Tetreault for his counsel and heartfelt compassion; Trinity Baptist Church - "Hands of Mercy" and Christ Community Church for all the love, prayers and ministry.

It was Dad's request that all memorial contributions and gifts of love be made to his adored grandson's Fight Against Childhood Cancer and wished all donations be made to the Tyler DeMarco Foundation, P.O. Box 4807, Schenectady, NY 12304-0807 or online at www.TylerDeMarcoFoundation.org