Janece Fiore Lafferty

Janece “Jan” Fiore Lafferty, 88, of Marcellus, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, May 24, 2026, peacefully in her home.

Janece was born on July 6, 1937, the daughter of Christopher and Veronica (Erardi) Fiore. Because of her fascination with chemistry, she took a job at Hawk Photo on West Street where she met her lifelong dance partner, Dick Lafferty, while he was studying architecture at Syracuse University.

Janece graduated from Solvay High School and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science from Le Moyne College in 1958. After graduation, her professional history began when she moved to Albany to work as a sanitary chemist for the State of New York. As an educator, Janece taught chemistry and physics at Franciscan Academy and chemistry and microbiology at Simmons School of Mortuary Science. After many years at Comprehensive Analytical Inc., she retired as laboratory director at National Environmental Testing Inc. (NET).

Upon retirement, Janece joined the Onondaga Hill Old Town Tappers dance group, volunteered with the AARP Tax Preparation Program, and danced with her husband as part of the Top Hats Dance Club. She also was a lifelong member of Phi Beta Kappa Society, an active member of the Marcellus Stamp Club, and an avid bridge player. Janece was also a member of and Eucharistic minister at St. Joseph’s Church, where she served as parish council president.

Janece’s principle in life was to love and serve her family.

Janece was preceded in death by her parents; and husband of 62 years, Richard Thomas Lafferty.

She is survived by her children, Alicia (Raúl Díaz) Lafferty and Hope Lafferty; and her grandchildren, Veronica (Daniel LaBella) Lafferty and Victor Díaz Lafferty.

To celebrate Janece’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 9 a.m., with the rosary at 9:30 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Church, 5600 W. Genesee St., Camillus. The funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. in the church.

Janece will be laid to rest in White Chapel Memory Gardens, DeWitt.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Echo Meals on Wheels, 4600 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13219.