Bernadette Pecora

Bernadette Pecora, 63, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 22, 1961, in Manhattan, NY, she was the daughter of Alfred and Theresa (Conway) Cole.

Bernadette grew up in East Rutherford, NJ and was a graduate of Becton Regional High School, class of 1979.  She furthered her education at Montclair State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her master’s degree at the College of Staten Island (CUNY) in education. In June of 1983, shortly after graduating, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, John Pecora. Together, they shared 42 years of laughter, adventure, and devotion.

Throughout her career, Bernadette worked in a variety of roles, including the H.R. Dept at American Express Headquarters at the World Financial Center in Manhattan, Notre Dame Academy in Staten Island, St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam, St. Patrick’s Catholic Academy in Brooklyn, Mater Christi in Albany, and ultimately St. Clement’s in Saratoga Springs. Her love for writing was a lifelong passion, some of her work was even featured at the Valencia Island Museum in Ireland. She also wrote her own column, City Mouse Country Mouse, for the Amsterdam Recorder.

Beyond her professional life, Bernadette found joy in simple, beautiful moments. She loved walking, gardening, reading, and weekend getaways with John. Her greatest happiness, however, was found in her kitchen and in her home—cooking for her family, cherishing time with her daughters, and delighting in every moment spent with her grandsons.

Bernadette is survived by her beloved husband, John Pecora; her daughters, Meaghan Yuret (Mario) and Hannah Santiago (Alexis); her sisters, Patricia Hager, Rosanna Ratchford (Richard), Theresa Filippelli (John), Marjorie Jackson (Frederick), Mary Noonan, and Elizabeth Coleman (Michael); brother, Alfred Cole (Laura); brothers-in-law, Francis Pecora, Vincent Pecora (Deborah), Anthony Pecora (Marie Crociata-Lara) and Joseph Pecora; sister-in-law, Regina Rose; her adoring grandchildren, John Yuret, Isaiah Santiago, Elias Santiago, and Aidan Santiago; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Theresa Cole, niece Chelsea Cole and brother-in-law, James Hager.

A Mass Service will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bernadette Pecora to St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, designated for Mary’s Grotto. Please make checks or money orders payable to St. Clement’s Church, noting ‘Mary’s Grotto’ in the memo line.

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