IN MEMORIAM: Stephen J. Gennarino, Country Club Auto Retiree

ONEONTA – Stephen J. Gennarino, 65, who rose from mechanic to warranty administrator in 38 years at Country Club Automotive, passed away suddenly on Friday in Rochester, where he relocated after a stroke in 2005.

He was born October 14, 1948 in Oneonta, the son of John B. Gennarino and Grace (Elliott Gennarino) Waite. Stephen attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Oneonta High School. He later attended and received an Associates Degree from Alfred State College of Agriculture and Technology. He married Liberta Latteri in 1969.

Formerly a Town of Maryland resident, He was predeceased by his parents, John Gennarino and Grace Waite, and his wife, Liberta (Latteri) Gennarino.

Stephen was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also loved to play golf and work in his wood shop, creating a variety of furniture and accessories.

Stephen suffered a stroke in 2005 and after living in the Oneonta area for his whole life, he relocated to Rochester,  to reside with his sister, Barbara. While living in the Rochester area, Stephen became involved in the Nazareth College Physical Therapy and Speech and Language programs. He made many friends there, both staff and clients alike.

In addition, he attended Cornerstone Adult Services Program where he again made many connections and close friends. He continued hobbies including collecting stamps and coins and model trains. He enjoyed attending the LPGA in Rochester. Steve had an infectious smile and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He had a great sense of humor and when he laughed you couldn’t help but laugh along with him. Everyone always commented on his sparkling eyes and happy personality.

He is survived by his siblings, Barbara Gennarino of Rochester, Rhys Di’Palma of Schenevus, Sheila Latone (Bruce) of Rochester, and John Gennarino (Tacha) of Kendall; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be at noon on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Scott VanDerveer, Parochial Vicar at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, officiating. Calling hours will be 1 hour prior to the service from 11 a.m. to Noon.

Interment will follow immediately at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.

Donations to Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820; Nazareth College Social Programs, 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14618 or to Lollipop Farms, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, New York 14550 Expressions of sympathy may be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com