Antoinette Degasperis Vellano

Antoinette DeGasperis Vellano, 88, of Rottedam, NY, passed peacefully Friday, July 26th surrounded by her loving family. Antoinette was the loving daughter of the late Maria (Tonon) and Giuseppe DeGasperis; the sister of Josephine Minard, the late Nick DeGasperis, Edith Pidgeon and Michael DeGasperis. Antoinette attended Schenectady Vocational High School, where upon graduation she worked at General Electric in Schenectady during World War II. In February of 1945, she was married to Tony Vellano at St. Anthony's Church in Schenectady and thereafter welcomed her three sons: Joseph, Anthony and Paul, whom she cherished day in and day out for all her years. Antoinette worked in restaurant service in her early years. She was a devoted volunteer for the veterans and was a significant force in DAV88 winning various awards over the years. She along with her sisters Edith and Josephine held many offices. Antoinette was extremely influential, along with her husband Tony in founding and operating Bellevue Pop Warner Football. She was a member of the Bishop Gibbons Mother's Club and the University of Maryland Football Locker Room Club. She was a devout Catholic, serving her community through the church and festivals. Some of her interests included cooking for her family and the neighborhood children (one of her favorite memories), going to Florida, spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, watching tennis, the Mets and college football. Family was truly Antoinette's biggest passion. Known for her one-of-a-kind personality, Antoinette will be missed and remembered forever by all who knew her: A daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, matriarch, hostess of the holidays, and a true care-taker. She is survived by her sons Joe (Penny), Anthony (Holly), Paul (Joney); eight grandchildren: Angela Vellano, Adam Vellano, Ann Marie (Randi) Carney, Emily Vellano, Michael (Lettie) Vellano, Ashley Vellano , Paul Vellano, Joseph Vellano and 10 great grand children; her sister Josephine Minard; her nephews Augie (Peggy) DiManno, Jay (Paula) DeGasperis, Bobby (Kathy) DeGasperis, John (Lori) Vellano; niece Kristin(Tony) Skipper. The Vellano family would like to thank all of the wonderful staff at Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their great care and compassion. Viewing hours will be Tuesday, July 30th from 5pm to 8pm at Bond Funeral Home, 1614 Guilderland Ave, Schenectady, NY. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 31st at 10:15 am at the Bond Funeral Home followed by a Mass at 11am at St Anthony's Church, 331 Seward Place, Schenectady, NY. Internment in St. Anthony's Cemetery in Glenville. Those wishing to remember Antoinette in a special way may send contributions in Antoinette's name to: The Disabled American Veterans, Lt Vibert O'Fryer #88, PO Box 3528 , Schenectady, NY 12303 or Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center: 297 N Ballston Ave, Scotia, NY 12302.