Obituary of Alice Ruth Dearo

Alice Ruth Selden Dearo passed away on December 28, 2018, in Tomball, Texas. She was the daughter of the late Lewis and Helen Sezna Selden. In 1970, Alice graduated from RFA and continued her education at MVCC. She was united in marriage to Donald Dearo, a Utica Firefighter, in 1985, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Don passed away in 1999. Alice was the Executive Director of the United Way of Rome and Western Oneida County. While in that position, Alice not only led but participated as well. She was lovingly invested in the mentoring program and took pride in working with elementary students. St. Joseph's Church in Lee Center also benefitted from Alice's dedication. For many years, she was the force behind the weekly bulletin, and in addition, taught religious education classes. Alice is survived by her beloved daughter, Deanna Dearo, Lee; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Brian and Suzanne Clark Selden, Tomball, Texas, and Gary and Pamela Puccio Selden, Canton, Georgia; nieces Carla Selden, Michele Selden, Kristen Balderrama, and Brianna Selden; a great niece Alexis Vegas; and great nephews, Trevor Brian Balderrama, Everd Olivaries, and Jared Olivaries. Also surviving is the treasured family dog, Duchess. Alice is also survived by many cousins with whom she shared and celebrated Polish holidays and family reunions. Above all, Alice was lovingly devoted to her daughter, family, and friends. A ready smile and a kind word were her trademarks. A Memorial Mass will be held on January 26, 2019, at St. Joseph's Church, Lee Center, at 11:00 am with Fr. Robert Kelly officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, January 25, 2019, from 4 to 7 pm at Strong- Burns & Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. Interment will take place in the spring at Evergreen Cemetery, Stokes. Memorial donations can be made to The United Way of Rome and Western Oneida County Endowment Fund as a lasting memorial of Alice's love, involvement, and commitment with The United Way. »(Do not delete this line. It does not print. Text that is to appear on web must be entered before this line)