Barbara Jean Emperato, 76, of Auburn, NY, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at Auburn Community Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on February 18, 1949, in Utica, NY, and lived most of her life in Auburn with her husband, Carl R. Emperato Sr., who preceded her in 2013. She retired from Auburn Memorial Hospital in 2010. Barbara enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, gardening, crossword puzzles, reading, baking Christmas cookies, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Barbara is survived by her four children, Lisa (Jim) Van Arsdale, Melissa Emperato, Carl R. (Shelley) Emperato Jr., and Alicia Daley; twelve grandchildren, Jennifer (Brian) Church, Nicole (Tyler) Siminski, Derek (Hannah) Emperato, Aarron, Zacari, and Lucas Emperato, Joshua Ho, Adreana Smith, Nathan and Trey Terry, and Tyler and Lillian Daley; and three great-grandchildren.
Barbara was predeceased by an infant daughter, two sisters, and two brothers.
Friends are invited to visit the family on Monday, February 16th, from 11 AM to 12 PM at Pettigrass Funeral Home (196 Genesee Street, Auburn, NY). Funeral service to follow at 12 PM. Burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Matthew House, 43 Metcalf Drive, Auburn, NY 13021. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Emperato, please visit our floral store.