Dawn Elaine (Stone) Vallese

Mrs. Dawn Elaine (Stone) Vallese, age 83, a longtime Herkimer resident, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2023, at Foltsbrook Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Herkimer.

Dawn was born in Rochester, NY, on Nov. 24, 1939, daughter of the late Joseph and Florence (Adams) Stone, and educated in Rochester schools. She worked at the Rochester Phone Company prior to being united in marriage with Philip Carl Vallese, who passed away on Nov. 28, 2018.

Dawn devoted her life to caring for her family, especially her special needs son, Steven. The family lived in Rochester for many years before moving to Herkimer when Phil retired. Dawn enjoyed playing games online and occasional trips to casinos.

Survivors include her children, Raymond (Valerie) Vallese and Steven Vallese; her grandchildren, Trevor Vallese and Delaney Vallese; her sister-in-law, Joanna Sementilli; her nieces and nephews, Donna (Mike) Morrison, Barbara Goonan, Julie (Jay) Kimball, Greg (Betty) Stone, Jim (Kris) Stone, John (Stacy) Sementilli, Dave (Lori) Sementilli, Anthony (Lisa) Sementilli, and Lisa (Duane) Mayo; and many great-nieces and great-nephews, including John Sementilli Jr., Philippe Mayo, Joel La Puma, Giovanna Sementilli, Gabrielle Sementilli, Ashley (Chris) Putney, Marissa (Dustin) Farber, Alisha (Ermin) Muratovic, Tyler Morrison, Kayleigh Morrison, Lyndsey (Kevin) Cuvelier, Brian (Sara) Trost, Austin Stone, Alexander Stone, Karl Stone, Parker Stone, and Carolynne Hecker.  Besides her parents and her husband Phil, Dawn was also preceded in death by her brother, Ron (Janet) Stone and her sister, Phyllis (Donald) Goonan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, Herkimer, with interment to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer, at a date to be announced. In respecting Dawn’s wishes, there are no calling hours. Kindly consider memorial donations in her name to Arc Herkimer, a not-for-profit organization that provides services to people with disabilities. Funeral arrangements are under the direction and care of Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5 (Town of Manheim), Little Falls, 315-508-5131.