Raffaella DiBacco Pazak 1941-2026

She was born May 15, 1941, in Bugnara, Italy, the daughter of the late Ugo and Anna D’Eramo DiBacco. Rae immigrated to the United States with her family in 1949 and grew up in Youngstown.

Rae graduated as valedictorian from Chaney High School in 1960 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Youngstown University in 1964, where she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, Kappa Delta Pi. She later received her Master of Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 1968 and was a member of Beta Phi Mu honor society.

Rae began her career with the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County in 1964, dedicating more than three decades of service before retiring in 1997. She was passionate about education, books and lifelong learning.

Rae was an active member of the Panhellenic Association, the Salvation Army and the Bugnarese Ladies Society, where she proudly served as president.

On May 19, 1973, Rae married the love of her life, Gary Michael Pazak, with whom she shared more than 50 years of marriage.

Rae is survived by her devoted husband, Gary; her two children, Douglas (Elizabeth) Pazak of Lewis Center and Anna Marie (Eric) Thompson of Dublin; and her beloved grandchildren, Olivia and Ava Pazak, and Sydney, Kennedy and Emery Thompson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ugo and Anna DiBacco; her aunt, Loretta DiBacco; her in-laws, John and Mary Pazak; and her brother-in-law, Dr. William John Pazak.

Rae cherished her family and friends, loved spending time with her granddaughters, enjoyed traveling and trying new things, and was thrilled with the occasional visit to the casino. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength and devotion that will be cherished by all who were blessed to know her.

The family invites you to a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at St. Brendan Catholic Church, 4475 Dublin Road, Hilliard, OH, 43026.

The family will hold a private viewing beginning at 9 a.m. at the Tidd Family Funeral Home, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH, 43026, and then will head to the church for the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

(special notice)