Mr. Derek M. Macero

Mr. Derek M. Macero, age 35, of Deerfield, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 in the privacy of his home. Born in Utica on January 31, 1976, Derek was the son of Cynthia “Cyndi” (Zambino) LaClair. He was raised and educated in Utica, a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. He furthered his studies at M.V.C.C., H.C.C.C., and Cazenovia College. He was currently attending Hudson Valley Community College where he was enrolled in the Mortuary Science Program. On October 29, 2005 he married his best friend, the former Jennifer C. Lawrence; the couple completed each other’s life and shared a great love. Derek had previously worked as a dispatcher for the Utica Police Department, a paramedic, and a Lieutenant at the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department where he served as a mentor for young recruits. He was passionate about firefighting and he loved helping people. He was currently under the employ of the Pompey Hill Fire Department. Concurrently, he worked for the Tully and Minoa Fire Departments. He was also associated with MOVAC and KVAC. In recognition of his charitable heart, in 1996 he received a commendation for his participation in the Olympic Torch Relay through the Red Cross. Derek excelled in every pursuit and he was a good leader. He held a great compassion for others and a dedication to his work and education. He was very caring, loving, and enormously humorous. He always tried to brighten the days of others. He was also social and outgoing and he appeared on the Hometown Heroes program. He was an electronics wiz, a computer pro, and he offered his expertise as an educator. He very much enjoyed his time spent at camp at Sylvan Beach during the summer. He was a member of the Red Cross disaster relief team. Derek is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his mother, Cyndi LaClair; his daughter, Alyssa LaBarbera; his maternal grandfather, Joseph Zambino; and his sister, Kari Macero, all of Utica; his aunts and uncles, Linda and Fred Otero, and Donald Murphy; his cousins, mother-in-law, Mary Lawrence, and many special friends, especially acknowledging Joe Inglis. He was predeceased by his maternal grandmother, Joan E. Coniglio; and his maternal great-grandmothers, Louise Zambino and Dorothy Susso. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department for going above and beyond their call of duty in their efforts for Derek. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Emergency Service Members of the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department will gather at the funeral home at 6:00 for prayer services at 6:30. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Derek’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 at the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department officiated by Rev. Stephen J. Enea.

Mr. Derek M. Macero

January 31, 1976 - May 31, 2011