Patricia Buyse Adduci

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jerry M. Adduci; her daughters, Nancy (Mark) and Sara; her grandchildren, Amelia and Sam, as well as many loved and cherished friends and extended family. An only child, she was especially close with her first cousin, Leone Buyse. She is predeceased by her father, Adrian Buyse, and her mother, Nana (Southworth) Ronsvalle.

Patty was born and raised in Rochester, New York. She graduated from the University of Rochester in 1958 with a BA in English and from SUNY Brockport with a MST in Elementary Education in 1973. Instead of following a more traditional path, she found her way into public service. She became the first female City Clerk of Rochester, NY in 1974. She was elected and became the first female County Clerk of Monroe County, NY in 1981. She was appointed by Governor Mario Cuomo to become the first female New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles in 1985. As an executive, she always dared to change and innovate systems to find greater efficiencies and better serve the public.

Patty believed fiercely in the principles of democratic government and that every voice and every vote matters. She was an active member of the Democratic Party in Rochester. On many election nights, Patty would bring her daughters and their friends to the Democratic Headquarters to watch the election returns. As a role model for women and young girls, particularly her two daughters, she embodied the principles of gender equality and blazed a trail for women behind her.

In addition to her many pioneering professional accomplishments, Patty lived a rich and expansive life full of curiosity, continued learning, books, nature, the arts and music. She was incredibly generous, and she cared deeply about people, both friends and strangers alike. She took delight in the environment and all the creatures great and small. She volunteered for Whale Watching boats while living in Cape Cod. She enjoyed travels around the world with Jerry, her family and close friends.

She was an accomplished pianist, a prolific knitter, quilter, sewer, and embroiderer. If there was a special occasion, it was certain that one of her handmade treasures would be given as a gift. If there were jeans that needed a patch, or a collar that needed mending, she was always ready to fix it. She knit and donated over a hundred sweater and hat sets to school children as part of the Sweater Nanas of Green Valley, Arizona. She loved card games and word games; her mind was sharp and formidable. She loved gathering friends and family around the table for good food (that Jerry cooked) and good company. She was famous for her pie crusts and baked a mean apple pie.

The family is so grateful for the time shared with her and for the many years of love and laughter. A celebration of the wonderful life of Patty Adduci will be held Friday, May 31st, 2024 at 1:30 pm at the Dolomite Lodge 1627 Jackson Road, Penfield, New York 14526. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of her favorite organizations: Planned Parenthood, NPR, PBS, The Nature Conservancy, or Heifer International.