Marlene M. DelPiano

Marlene M. (Schaefer) DelPiano, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Marlene was born in Lancaster, NY, on November 12, 1945, to Eugene and Jeanette Blackman Schaefer. She graduated from SUNY Fredonia and moved to Rome, NY, in the mid-1960s, to begin her teaching career in the Rome City School District. On August 9, 1969, she married Patrick J. DelPiano; a marriage of over 53 years filled with love, laughter, travel, friendships and delicious food until Pat's passing in 2023. Marlene spent her entire career, as a teacher, in the Rome City School District, working first at Strough and then spending many years at Denti, teaching second and third grade, retiring in 2001. After she retired, she spent a year teaching kindergarten at St. Peter's School in Rome and often talked about how much she enjoyed working with that age group. Marlene genuinely enjoyed her work as a teacher and loved seeing her former students.

Marlene was known for her love of shopping, traveling and her meticulously pristine and organized homes. She loved reading, word puzzles and following her beloved Buffalo Bills. She was an extremely dedicated, thoughtful and involved aunt and great-aunt who made a tremendous impact on her family. She shared a special bond with her great niece, Liza, who she enjoyed spending time with coloring, making cookies and playing together.

Marlene is survived by her "daughter" and "son-in-law," Sachiyo and Herbert Liebhaber. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James (Barbara) Schaefer; brother-in-law, Philip DelPiano (John Grabowski); sister-in-law, Cynthia A. DelPiano; nieces and nephews, Andrea (Marc) Falvo and her daughter, Liza Falvo, Michael (Carly) DelPiano, Jr. and his children, Jacob and Leo DelPiano, Sue, Denise, Jimmy, Mark, Brian, Debbie and Julie Schaefer and James and Elena Giamporcaro. Marlene also leaves scores of beloved friends, especially Peter Maio, Dominick and Donna Tagliaferri, Janet Gardinier, Linda Polizzi and Mary Millhouse.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pat; her parents; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Catherine Schaefer; and brother-in-law, Michael J. DelPiano, Sr.

Marlene's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Lee Center Fire Department and EMTs for their service and compassion and a special thanks to her niece, Andrea Falvo, for her tireless service to Marlene over the years. She was an invaluable helper through difficult times.

Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 2-4 PM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut St., Rome. Her Funeral Service will immediately follow calling hours at 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Lee Center Fire Department.

Please offer online condolences at www.barryfuneralhome.com.