Carol Ann (Sortino) Marchese

GREECE: September 23, 2026. Carol was predeceased by her parents, Louis & Donna Sortino; sisters, Beverly Logdson & Susan Viapiano; brother-in-law, Ron Richardson. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Marchese; daughter, Christine (Carl Jr.) Fantauzzo; grandsons, Carl Thomas (Jamie) Fantauzzo & Christopher (Emmeline Pipech) Fantauzzo; siblings, Donna (Tom) Proietti, Judy Richardson, Michael (Marcia) Sortino, Roseann (Dave) Caparco, Anthony (Lynn) Sortino, Linda (Ray) Mitrano, Barbara (Sandy) Potter, Louie (Jen Taranto) Sortino; brother-in-law, Sam Viapiano; several nieces, nephews, cousins, & dear friends.

Carol’s life story will be shared during her visitation at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.), Wednesday, September 30th, 4-7 PM. Her Celebration of Life Service will be Thursday at 11 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be private. Those wishing, may make contributions to a charity of your choice in Carol’s memory.

Remembering Carol Ann Marchese ~

Carol Ann Marchese, born Carol Ann Sortino, began her life on February 23, 1951, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, New York. Weighing eight pounds, Carol proudly held the title of being the largest baby among her 10 siblings, until Louie came along and took that distinction from her. She was born to Louis and Donna (Strollo) Sortino, a loving couple who built their family on hard work, kindness, and devotion to one another.

Carol grew up surrounded by an abundance of family as she was the 3^rd child of 11. Her father, Louis, was a hardworking man who wore many hats throughout his life. If there was a job to be done or someone needed a hand, Louis was always willing to help. Her mother, Donna, was a devoted homemaker who spent much of her time caring for her family and was often found in the kitchen. To Carol, her mother was a “saint,” a woman who gave endlessly to her family. Louis and Donna shared a loving marriage and were good to one another, giving Carol and her siblings a beautiful example of commitment and family.

Carol attended St. Andrew’s School before going on to Franklin High School. She was never particularly athletic, in fact, she was famously clumsy and could practically “trip over air.” But what she lacked in athletic ability, she made up for with her quick wit, determination, and unmistakable personality.

After high school, Carol began her working life at Sibley’s Department Store and then moved on to Eastman Kodak Company in the mailroom. She worked her way up the ladder until becoming secretary to the vice president and general manager of global equipment and manufacturing, a position she held for the remainder of her career. Carol was exceptionally organized and liked things to be in their proper place. Those who knew her well understood that she took pride in keeping everything neat and orderly. After enjoying several years of retirement, she later worked as a substitute in the Greece Central School District administrative offices.

The most meaningful chapter of Carol’s life, however, was the one she shared with her husband, Thomas Blase Marchese. Together, they enjoyed 54 wonderful years of marriage. Tom was the love of Carol’s life and had the greatest impact on her. Their relationship was built on a deep devotion to one another, and Carol treasured even the simplest moments they shared, especially holding Tom’s hand. He affectionately called her “Baby Doll,” or “Little Mouse” nicknames that reflected the special place she held in his heart.

Together, Carol and Tom raised their daughter, Christine, and filled their years with love and laughter. Christine was married to Carl and though he came into the family as a son-in-law, he quickly became a true son in her heart. They had two beautiful boys, Carl and Christopher. The bond that formed between Carol and her grandsons was built on love, patience, and quiet understanding. She helped shape them into the men they are today.

Carol & Tom found a love for traveling. Their trips included annual visits to their timeshare in Cancun, trips to Las Vegas, and memorable trips to Spain & Italy. Wherever they went, the greatest part was sharing the experience with the people they loved.

Carol had a remarkable gift for making lasting connections. She was truly a collector of people; when someone came into her life, they often remained there for decades. This was especially evident in “the club,” a group that began with Tom’s neighborhood and grade-school friends, whose wives became some of Carol’s closest friends. For the last 50 years they gathered every month, traveled together, celebrated holidays, and enjoyed memorable Christmas cabin parties. What began as Tom’s friendships became a treasured circle of Carol’s as well.

Carol also cherished her daytime girls’ card club, that began after Carol formed an instant bond with a co-vendor at a local craft show 18 years ago. They each brought together several of their friends that met monthly and enjoyed hours of playing card games, having lunch, chatting about life events and just thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. Carol always loved a good game! She enjoyed cards, board games, dice games, and especially Yahtzee, and Scrabble. She also loved going to the casino and trying her luck on the slot machines. She and Tom have been known to visit casinos in almost every state they’ve traveled to. Friendly competition was always more fun when shared with friends, although Carol did believe strongly in playing fair….no cheating!

Some of her favorite moments were found in the everyday pleasures of life—sitting with friends over coffee and conversation, baking cookies, cooking, playing games, laughing, and simply being together. Carol had a way of making ordinary moments feel special because she genuinely enjoyed the company of those around her.

She also had a wonderful sense of humor and a positive outlook. Whenever someone asked how she was doing, her favorite response was, “Better than a sharp stick in the eye!” It was quintessential Carol, funny, straightforward, and sure to bring a smile.

Carol’s interests reflected her fun-loving personality. She loved the music of the 1970s especially Billy Joel, Kenny Rogers, and Rod Stewart, but Michael Jackson was her favorite artist. She had a particular love for The Godfather movies, with the first film being top on her list. She could watch it again and again, along with the rest of the trilogy. Other favorite movies included Moonstruck, Sister Act, and the recent Michael Jackson movie, which she saw at the theater 3x and then purchased it.

Those who knew Carol would describe her as positive, strong, funny, giving, and deeply caring. She was fiercely loyal, rarely complained, and had a wonderful ability to bring humor and warmth into the lives of others. She was devoted to Tom, cherished her daughter and family, and treasured the friendships she had built throughout her life.