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James DeCaro Obituary
Pittsford - Surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at the age of 71. Predeceased by his parents, Gabe & Mamie. He is survived by his wife and partner in crime of 47 years, Patricia; son, Jason (Erin) DeCaro; daughter, Tate DeCaro; granddaughters, Alexa & Rebecca DeCaro; sisters, Mary Coppinger, and Ann (Bruce) Vokes; nieces and nephew, Stephanie (Jim) Webster, Andrea (Clayton) Oles, Eric Vokes, and their families; adopted daughter and son, Kelly (George) Cardenas and Jeff Cavallaro and their families.
Jim grew up in an Italian-American family in Poughkeepsie, NY. He moved to Rochester in 1971 to begin his career at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology (NTID/RIT). In his 47 years of service to the institute, he served as an instructional developer, department chair, division director, dean, interim director, and interim president. Jim has mentored and developed the careers of scores of individuals who have dedicated their lives to the education of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. These many people continue to work at the intersection of Deaf and hearing cultures, access technology, and instructional development. His legacy will be felt at NTID and throughout the world for decades to come.
A deeply humble and kind husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, co-worker, and friend, he was an enthusiast of art, baseball, cooking & baking, fashion (shoes!), hunting, Native American culture, telling stories, travel (36 countries), and single malt scotch whiskeys. Jim & Pat loved to open their home to visitors from around the world.
Jim's celebration of life service & dinner reception will be held Sunday, November 24, 3:00 pm at the Panara Theatre & Dyer Arts Center at NTID/RIT in Rochester, NY. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Sasakawa-DeCaro Scholarship Fund, c/o NTID Office of the President, 52 Lomb Memorial Dr., Rochester, NY 14623. To share a memory or send the family a condolence, please visit www.harrisfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James DeCaro
Sponsored by Paul W. Harris Funeral Home Inc. - Rochester.
November 21, 2019
Dear Mary and Ann and Pat and Family,
I am so very sorry for your great loss. I grew up in the same neighborhood that this great family lived in and have very fond memories of our days playing ball, cards, board games and riding bikes. I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a fun loving humble person and accomplished so much in his beautiful life of giving. May all your beautiful and cherished memories be a comfort to all of your family. In Sympathy, Anne M. (Wawrzonek)Gadaleto West Chester, Pennsylvania
Norma Leone
November 19, 2019
Hello Pat, Tony and I send our deepest sympathy to you and to all your family. We have not had a chance to see you recently, but we both have happy memories of times spent with you during the Lyon Daughters Lectures planning. We also remember with joy the time we met Jim during one of the HLAA meetings. We wish we could attend the celebration of Jim's life so we could offer our condolences and share some smiles in person, but we hope it helps you to know we'll be with you in spirit and hoping the wonderful memories of your times with Jim will bring you peace and comfort always. Love and hugs, Norma and Tony Leone.
Dominic Conforti
November 5, 2019
Mary, Ann, Patricia and family,
I was shocked to hear the news about Jimmy. He was one of the best friends to be around growing up. Jimmy always had a huge sense of humor. He grew up with the benefit of a beautiful family and had such a positive attitude. It made it easy to be associated with him. Jimmy was very bright and you could see at a very young age that he was going to be very succesful and a great family man. I expected Jimmy to live well into his nineties. It was such a highlight to grow up with him.
Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to you and you families.
Love Donnie and Janice Conforti
Beth Conforti Long
November 3, 2019
Our families were close when we were growing up and we spent many happy days and evenings with the DeCaro family. I send my heartfelt condolences to Mary, Ann and Patricia who I remember meeting once. It is clear from Jim's obituary that he led a beautiful life and I hope that is a consolation for his family and loved ones.
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Laurie Giunta Woolever
October 30, 2019
Dear Ann and family,
One look at his face and the name and I knew this must be your brother. I am so sorry for your loss. You must be so proud of his accomplishments, and know that he leaves behind a great legacy of caring and compassion. May God bless you and give you peace in your time of sorrow.
Barb McKee
October 28, 2019
Dear Pat, I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. It seems as if it was last week when the two of us walked across the platform together to receive our degrees from SU. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know the Love of friends and family will carry you through this difficult time as it did me years ago. Jim was a very special person and will be remembered far into the future.
Peter Wawrzonek
October 26, 2019
I knew Jimmy since we grew up in the same neighborhood. Since he was older than me, I always looked up to him. After reading a brief description of his life, I will continue to look up to him when I see the stars at night. My condolences to his family.
J Mills
October 25, 2019
Jim's welcoming humble spirit will be fondly remembered by our Family. Prayers for peace and comfort are being sent to all of you.
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