Marie T. (Rocco) Dare

Mrs. Marie T. (Rocco) Dare, age 77, of Utica, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2009 in the privacy of her home with her family by her side. Born in Utica on July 5, 1931, Marie was the daughter of the late Joseph N. and Marie (Ducette) Rocco. She was raised and educated locally and was a graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. On June 7, 1952 she married Frank A. Dare, Sr. with whom she shared 54 years prior to his passing on April 11, 2007. From the days they were childhood sweethearts, Marie and Frank shared an unending love for each other that will continue now that they are reunited. The inception of her working career was an affiliation with her family’s business, the Utica Veal Company. She also worked as a medical transcriptionist for several medical agencies, lastly with Digestive Disease Medicine of Central NY, retiring in 2008. As a nurturing matriarch, Marie lived her life for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was dignified and graceful in the way she met life’s challenges, especially her final journey. She was a member of the Parkway Senior Center and a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Marie is survived by her children, Frank, Jr. and Cheryl Dare of E. Syracuse, Joseph R. and Karen Dare of Schuyler, Judy M. and Anthony Testa of Frankfort, David A. and Mary Jo Dare of Utica, Michele J. and Levi Dousharm of Frankfort, and Marie G. and David Koester of Cape Coral, FL; her grandchildren, Casey Dare, Jenny Dare and Derek Brady, Joey and Tressa Dare, Rocco Dare and Kristina Karrat, Frankie Dare and Sandra Dowiat, Tanya and Lon Thrasher, Anthony and Justine Testa, David and Melinda Dare, Frank Dare and Krystal Cordero, Levi Dousharm, Jr., Micaela Dousharm, Sammy Koester, and Daniel Koester; her great-grandchildren, Jaden Rose, Gabriella, and Joey. Always close to her heart was the memory of her infant great-granddaughter, Julia Grace, who preceded her in death. Survivors also include her sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Nicholas Frattasio; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Rocco and Beatrice Rocco, Joseph and Joanne Rocco, and Frank and Deborah Rocco; many nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Tricia Frattasio and Mary Anne Wells, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and her in-laws, Congetta “Connie” DiMare, Carmella “Mella” and Thomas Carcone, Kathleen “Cookie” and Richard Morse, and Donald and Helen Houck. Marie would like to thank Anne Puleo for 77 years of sincere friendship. The family expresses their appreciation to her sister Shirley and her family, and her brother Frankie and his family for their love, support, and generosity. A note of gratitude to the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. for the compassion and comfort shared with Marie. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Marie’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Marie T. (Rocco) Dare

July 5, 1931 - February 27, 2009