Barbara A. Gennarino
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Barbara A. Gennarino (1950-2024)
Barbara, known as Barb by most, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at the age of 74. Barb always said she “lived a charmed life.”
Barb was born in Oneonta, NY in 1950 to Grace (Elliott) Waite and John Gennarino. Barb was most grateful to her mom for giving her the tools she needed to be independent. Her father taught her many things as well, but she especially valued his tutelage in making a true Italian spaghetti meat sauce, which she was excellent at. Barb attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, where she met and became lifelong friends with Mary (Mame) Cain. Barb then attended Oneonta High School before leaving Oneonta to further her education. She graduated from SUNY Brockport with a degree in Physical Education. Upon graduation, Barb permanently relocated to Rochester, NY and went to work at the Eastman Kodak Company. There she rose into management and showed herself as a true leader. Barb always spoke fondly of her career, her many opportunities, and the friends she made there. Barb enjoyed meeting new people and frequently made lasting connections nearly everywhere she went. Barb was athletic had an active social life. She played softball in the Greece League for decades, where she became fast friends with her teammates, who became famously known within her circle as “The Nine”. The Nine: Bonnie (#1), Carla (#9), Carolyn (#6), Linda (#5), Mary (#7), Mary Jo (#3), Kathy (#2), Shirley (#8), and of course, Barb (#4). The Nine went on to embrace a variety of interests, including dinners, plays, concerts, and travel. Barb loved to travel and saw many places, including Hawaii, The Bahamas, Italy, Germany, and her favorites, Australia and New Zealand. After Barb retired from Kodak, she worked at the Democrat and Chronicle, a job which she valued for keeping her active and for the friends she made there. Barb had many beloved cats throughout her life, and was particularly fond of her current roommate, Kaddy, her ginger tabby who is as independent as she was.
Barb was deeply loved by many and her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. She will be greatly missed.
Barbara was predeceased by her mother, Grace (Elliott) Waite, her father, John Gennarino, and her brother, Stephen Gennarino, in addition to several cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins. Barbara is survived by her sisters, Sheila Latone (Bruce) and Rhys DiPalma, her brother, John Gennarino (Tacha), aunts Beverly Muthig, and Frances Hodges, niece and goddaughter, Rachel Leverenz (David), her nephew, Christopher Latone (Porcia), niece, Nancy DiPalma, and numerous cousins. Barbara is also survived by her lifelong friend, Mary Cain, her godson, J. Patrick Cain, her good friend, Jeanne deGraad (Dennis), and godson, Derek deGraad.
Friends and family may call Wednesday, October 9th, from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM at Vay-Schleich and Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626. Her funeral service will be held Thursday, October 10th, 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel. Barb’s celebration of life begins at Red Fedele’s Brook House, located at 920 Elmridge Center Drive, Rochester, NY 14626 at 1:00 PM. A prayer service and interment will be held Saturday, October 12th, 12:00 noon in the Oneonta Plains Cemetery, at 39 Clover Street, Oneonta, NY 13820. A celebration of Barb’s life will follow at Bella Michael’s Restaurant, 57 River Street, Oneonta, NY 13820 from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barb’s memory to Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450 or York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute, Nazareth University, 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618, or any charity of your choice.
“Parting is such sweet sorrow”
(Shakespeare-Barb’s favorite).
We were good catholic girls, flower children and “boomer babes” together.
Thanks, “Thelma” for the ride of my life!
☮️♥️ Louise (Mame)
Barb’s eclectic personality was a joy to be around. Playing softball,
making subs at Pino’s Deli and selling Baby Cakes at the local craft festivals were all places I would see Barb. She left a great bunch of memories for alot of people. I feel lucky to have been one of those people. She left earth, but not our hearts.
Barb
You taught me so much and made me laugh when I wanted to cry. Here is to all the Girls’ Night Outs at Lorrie’s! You and Shirley have a toast and some sushi up there for us. You will be sorely missed.
What are you saying times like this I have lost my sister she was a great sense of joy and excitement as I was growing up she visited so many places and so oftentimes when her and mame came to the house to visit her stories always inspired me she was inspiration in my life she achieved many successful things and was a beautiful person she leaves behind a legacy of love joy and the ability to succeed and push on regardless of the circumstances she fought very hard and relentlessly as she did with everything else in her life she will never be forgotten always remembered and always in our hearts I will miss you till the day we meet again I love you
Barb was my very first trainer at Kodak in Synthetic Chemicals. She taught and guided me well! Especially when it came to breaks and pre-breaks! We went on to different areas of Kodak but crossed paths occasionally. Even though we lost touch, I would include her in my annual request to sponsor me in Lollypop’s Barktober Fest. She never failed to come through! When I didn’t hear from her this year, I was worried. And rightfully so. Rest in peace, dear Barb. Thank you for your unwavering support. You were a delight to know!
Our thoughts are with Barb’s family and friends at this sad time.