Rosemarie (Guarnieri) DeFazio

UTICA-Rosemarie (Guarnieri) DeFazio, age 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Katherine Lutheran Home with her beloved family by her side.

She was born on September 28, 1933, to the late Vito and Lena (Dellerba) Guarnieri. Rosemarie graduated from T. R. Proctor High School and would go on to marry the love of her life, Frank “Hank” DeFazio on November 27, 1958, in St. Anthony of Padua Church, a blessed union of 59 years prior to his passing on November 20, 2018. At one time, she was employed with the NYS Department of Transportation and was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church.

Rosemarie, affectionately referred to as Ro, was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose life was centered around her family. Ro never left the house without looking her best and lipstick was a must. She was the consummate hostess always reveling in the preparing of family dinners. For many years Ro hosted holidays with countless family members creating memories that have lasted a lifetime. In her earlier years, Ro belonged to Higby Hills Golf Club where she met lifelong friends. She loved to play cards and was an avid golfer. Her and Hank spent many winters in Boca Raton, Florida with friends golfing, dining and enjoying the sunshine. They had many visitors throughout the years and they were always eager to accommodate. Her family will hold her memory in their hearts. Ro and Hank are reunited once again, singing and dancing to Frank Sinatra and topping the night off with a bowl of ice cream or Hershey's chocolate bar.

Rosemarie is survived by her daughter, Maryann Bonomo; her son and daughter-in-law Frank A. II and Rena (Ventura) DeFazio; her grandchildren, Melanie and Andrew Bonomo, Maya and Michael DeFazio and two great-grandchildren, Jessie and Justine Dennis; her sister, Joann Schuman; her sister-in-law, Jane Mercurio as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Frank (Marie) Guarnieri; her sisters, Gloria (Ed) Duniec and Doris (Paul) Curcio and her in-laws, Mary (Anthony) Sciortino, Dominick (Shirley) DeFazio, Frances (Robert) Lawrie and Joseph Mercurio.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral services on Tuesday, January 13, at 12 Noon at St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Rosemarie’s family will receive guests following the Mass. Private interment will be in Calvary Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Frank.

The DeFazio family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Presbyterian/ Lutheran Health Care Center’s for the care and compassion shown Rosemarie during her stay.

In lieu of flowers, in memory of Rosemarie, donations in her name can be made to the charity of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the Mass.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave., Utica. Online sympathy www.scalaroefaro.com.