Russell DeMarco

​​Russell “Russ, Bear, Papa” DeMarco (84) passed away peacefully on December 21st, 2023, in the compassionate care of the Hildebrandt House staff and with loved ones by his side. Born December 28th, 1938 to Josephine and Michael, Russ lived his rambunctious young life in Rochester, NY under the loving watch of his older siblings Gloria and Lorraine, along with many family members and friends nearby. He was predeceased by his parents, Josephine and Michael; wife, Patricia; sisters, Gloria Barbato (Anthony) and Lorraine Rizzo (Vincent); nephew, James Barbato; numerous extended family members and friends; and his beloved dog, Seeger. Russ is survived by his loving partner of 28 years, Sandra Tyler and her children Romy and Clint; the grandsons he always wanted, Harrison, Dylan, Finn, Cal, and Mick; nephews, Joe Rizzo (Judi), Thaddeus Nicol, Matthew Nicol (Michelle); nieces, Kathy Rizzo, Margie DuBois (Lucien), Kara Lohrmann (Mark), Carla Pikuet (Kevin), Lisa Tuner (Jeff); several great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and cousins; and an amazing group of friends. Despite sharing tales of cleaning cars as a five-year-old at a neighborhood auto dealership (a story strongly contested by his adoring sisters), Russ began his professional life in earnest following graduation from Jefferson High School in 1956. After exploring a number of opportunities in his early twenties, Russ settled into a two-decade career at the Xerox Corporation before opting for a very early retirement in his early 40s. Russ enjoyed life and loved to celebrate with those around him. He was the type of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. From summers on Conesus Lake with his sisters and extended family, winter bowling leagues, trips to the casino, and Wednesday night dinner, cards and drinks with his collection of lifelong friends, Russ was an ever-present force welcoming those around him into his life with a warm smile. He loved music, particularly the Eagles and Bob Seeger, and would unapologetically sing every song word-for-word. Contrary to the school activities caption under his photo in the 1956 Jefferson HS Yearbook that reads “Chorus”, his singing was not, in fact, chorale. But it was fun. Russ was loyal, reliable, and generous; evidenced by the love showered on him from a large extended family, and his seven-decades long friendships with a group that never missed a chance to laugh, celebrate a birthday or significant life event, or an opportunity to break each other’s chops. He will be missed by all those he leaves behind, but welcomed with laughter and joy – and maybe a chilled Manhattan – by those who left us too soon. Friends may call Wednesday, (December 27th) 3-6 PM at Vay-Schleich and Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road, where his Prayer Service will follow at 6:00 PM. Private Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Russ’s name. His family and friends wish to thank the Hildebrandt staff for the compassionate care they provided over his final days with us.