Celebration of Life
Obituary of Emily S. Adasiak
Early morning, December 27th, 2023, Emily Setada Adasiak passed away peacefully at Highland Memorial Hospital at the age of 72
Emily was born in Rochester on November 17th, 1951 into the family of Bernard Adasiak and Setada Silvenon where she joined her older siblings, David and Helene Bernice One month later, she was baptized on the altar of St. Jerome’s church in East Rochester according to the Rite of the Roman Catholic Church. She later received the Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist and was Confirmed in 1962 in the same church. Throughout her life, Emily was a devoted follower and was ever striving to be a true Christian.
Emily was educated in the Penfield School System and graduated from Penfield High School in 1969. Soon thereafter, she married Gerald Grosser in the North Ontario Methodist Church. Three years later, they were divorced.
In March of 1975, she wed again to Vincent Ferrari of Rochester, NY. On February 26, 1976 they were blessed with birth of Vincent Matthew Ferrari. During the 70’s and 80’s, Emily balanced her time and energy between raising her son (as well as Vinnie’s children from a previous marriage: Michelle and Paula) and maintaining her career in food service. As a young wife and mother, she hit the ground running selling and distributing food to the growing Rochester market. In the words of her boss at Davies Seafood from that time: “Emily is of the highest moral character. She is a very loving and devoted mother to her three children. Emily will work whatever time and effort is needed to get the job done. She is very conscientious, dependable and a valuable asset to the company.” In the early 90’s, Emily was offered and accepted a sales position with Jacobstein Foods where she worked until her retirement in 2018. Her influence on the Rochester restaurant and food service industry is nothing short of legendary. She was the first female food distributor in Rochester. She called on hundreds throughout her career. Just visit the kitchens in any established restaurant, hospital or college in the area, and someone’s eyes will alight, and they will smile and remember Emily Adasiak.
While her career excelled, she somehow managed to devote all of her free-time to the care and needs of her children. Emily continued in her faith and impressed her convictions and beliefs upon her children. It was a natural fit when young Vincent joined the Boy Scout Troop 70 as a Cub Scout. His kind nature and giving spirit was reflective of his mother’s ministrations. Vinnie became an Eagle Scout in the spring of 1994 after escorting a number of nursing home residents to and from a local play. He distinguished himself further by becoming the only male player to ever join the Aquinas girl’s volleyball team. He became his troop’s assistant scoutmaster. Upon recognition of outstanding service , he was rewarded with an emotional embrace from Bishop Matthew Clark . Unfortunately, Vincent Ferrari was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and died before his nineteenth birthday.
Somehow, Emily went on. She continued scouting. She trained, passed the tests , earned her Wood Badge and was chosen from hundreds of applicants as “select staff “ and in coming years, went on to train dozens of scout leaders. She was finally awarded “The Silver Beaver” the highest honor bestowed from The Boy Scouts of America.
She and Vincent Ferrari divorced in 1996. During this difficult time, Emily met and befriended J. Stanley Krolik. Their friendship developed into romance. She is quoted as describing him as the love of her life. The two married in Greece, NY on August 11th 2001. From that time forward, Emily and Stan lived together in love , traveled frequently, and enjoyed many friends and activities.
In the autumn of 2003, they adopted : Spencer, an energetic 1-year old Golden Retriever. For the next nine years, they could be seen together at beaches, in local parks, and alongside parades. On June 16th, 2012, Stanley passed away leaving Emily and Spencer alone together.
Emily persevered. She continued to work long hours and take Spencer for walks and outings. In the fall of 2018, Emily retired from work. Shortly thereafter, after retrieving 1000’s of balls, and flopping on his back to receive endless tummy rubs, at 14, Spencer was laid to rest. Not long after, several of Emily’s friends passed away. Most recently, this past summer, her brother David Adasiak passed away in Florida.
Emily always had kind words for all. She was genuinely interested in the lives of all her family and friends. She loved nothing more than to help and comfort others. She is cherished and loved. And, she will be missed.
Emily is survived by her niece, Lauren (Andy) Cocilova; Her step-children, Sue (Mike) Mathews, Michael (Kathy ) Krolik and Cathy Siggins. And her 6 grandchildren.
Friends are invited to her Celebration of Life 10AM Saturday, May 11, 2024 at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 3003 Dewey Ave., Rochester, NY 14616.