Carmen “Coach” Pascarella Jr., a longtime teacher, coach, military veteran, and community leader, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the age of 91.
Formerly of Penfield and North Rose, New York, he leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, and lasting relationships with the people he encountered throughout his life.
Pascarella’s life was shaped by his commitment to education, athletics, public service, and family. His obituary, published by Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, remembers a man who spent decades helping students, supporting veterans, and contributing to his local community.
Born on November 21, 1934, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Pascarella was the third of seven children born to Carmen Pascarella Sr. and Elvira Alviti Pascarella. He grew up in a close Italian family and attended St. Bernard School, graduating in 1953.
Carmen Pascarella’s Teaching and Coaching Career
Pascarella’s interest in education developed during his school years, when teachers, coaches, and members of his church influenced his future. After serving two years in the United States Army in Germany, he attended Mansfield State Teachers’ College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education.
In 1961, he began teaching high school history in the North Rose Wolcott School District. He remained there until 1990, spending 29 years educating students and coaching several sports.
His coaching responsibilities included varsity baseball, junior varsity basketball, bowling, girls’ softball, and cross country. He also officiated soccer. His contributions to school athletics earned him induction into the North Rose Wolcott Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.
Many former students continued to call him Coach long after their school years ended. Pascarella affectionately referred to his students as “his kids,” and some maintained close friendships with him throughout their lives.
Military Service, Community Leadership and Family
Pascarella also devoted many years to public service. He served on the Rose Town Council from 1974 to 1990 before becoming Rose Town Supervisor and a member of the County Legislature from 1991 to 2005. He also chaired the Wayne County Democratic Party for 12 years.
His dedication to veterans received special recognition in 2013, when he was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. He also helped establish the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery and remained active with veterans’ organizations.
Family was central to Pascarella’s life. He married Margaret DiFonzo in 1958, and together they raised their children, Carmen “Nuch” Pascarella III and Tammy Baker. Margaret passed away in May 2026 after 67 years of marriage.
Pascarella enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf, and supporting the New York Yankees and Notre Dame football. He created treasured fishing memories with his granddaughters, Meghan and Emma, and great grandson Luca.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandson, siblings, and extended family.
Calling hours are scheduled for October 27 in North Rose, followed by a service on October 28 at St. John’s Church in Clyde. Military honors and burial are planned for October 29 in Bradford, Pennsylvania.
His legacy will live on through his family, former students, and the community he served for decades.
