Dino De Cherro

Dino De Cherro, 76, of Schenectady, NY, passed away at his home on December 31, 2019 after a brief illness.

Dino was born in Albany, NY on September 21, 1943. Son of the late Charles E. Puglise and Faye L. (Fusco) Puglise, he was a student at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons school. After working as a mailroom clerk for the New York State Department of Labor, Dino took on various jobs while also penning small humor columns for the Gazette newspaper, infused with Dino's trademark tongue-and-cheek puns and wit.

He was "Elvis' #1 fan," having seen him in concert 13 times, and religiously watched all 31 of Presley's films several times a year. Dino's favorite record was "La Paloma" and he greeted everyone with the phrase. He enjoyed engaging with strangers and friends alike and relished in good debate on topics ranging from aliens, subatomic particles and finding a cure for the aging process to current events, religion and politics. Halloween was his favorite day of the year and he loved the crisp, cool air of autumn. You couldn't pull Dino away from watching a good sports event on TV, either; especially football, as of late.

In 1977, Dino recorded his original record "It's Only Me, Dino" self-released locally on vinyl 45s. He performed on a number of telethons and was well-known throughout the area for making appearances at concerts, dances and social gatherings. You could spot him from a mile away walking through a crowd or dancing to music with a "good latin beat," always sporting a pompadour hair-do, flashy sports jackets and large, custom-made rings. And although his style often emulated that of his musical idol, Dino was not an impersonator and encouraged recording artists to make their own versions of Elvis' songs, which he appreciated much more.

With a laugh you couldn't soon forget, Dino will be remembered for his cordial personality, generosity, quirkiness and his incredible sense of humor, often making jokes at his own expense. His one-of-a-kind spirit will live on in his friends and family, as he touched the lives of so many, even those who never knew him by name.

He is survived by his sister Gina J. Puglise and several cousins. La Paloma.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie, NY 12205 on Saturday, January 11, 2020 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 pm and all are invited. Burial will be private at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Disability Services or the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.