Anthony R. Rosato

Mr. Anthony R. Rosato, age 86, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at the Highland Hospital in Rochester, with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on June 28, 1928, Anthony was the son of the late Olindo William and Rose (Buonsegna) Rosato. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1947. He continued his education at Utica College of Syracuse University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Anthony honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict stationed in Germany with HM Company/169th Division. On July 9, 1955 he married the former Carmella P. Viti with whom he shared true love and devotion for 59 years; their personalities blended as perfectly as their hearts and minds. In earlier years, Anthony worked as a Brakeman for the New York Central Railroad. A diligent worker, he held the position of Quality Control Specialist at the General Electric Company for 37 years at both the Broad Street and French Road location, retiring in 1988. Anthony was a man of great strength of character and an honorable, dependable provider for his family. He was a clever conversationalist, a trait which led to many friendships. Anthony was down-to-earth and thoughtful to everyone in so many ways. He was non-judgmental and very accepting of the good he noticed in people. As a father, he gave his children unconditional love and encouragement. He enthusiastically attended all of his children’s sporting events and musical activities, and he supported them in all their endeavors, which had such a positive influence on them and their future. They learned by his example throughout so many phases of their lives. He instilled the values of his yesteryears, knowing that his legacy would continue in their lives and the lives of his generations to follow. At home, Anthony was a gifted handyman who could build or fix almost anything, skills that he made sure to pass on to his sons. In retirement, he worked at remodeling his home for his wife, and golfed with his friends. An outdoorsman, Anthony enjoyed snowmobiling and he found a peaceful parcel of land in the town of Ohio on which he built a cabin that kept his family together during many fun-filled years. He and Mella wintered in Florida where they shared the joy of being with their children and grandchildren who resided there. In retrospect, Anthony’s life was all about family, and he was blessed with a beautiful spirit that generated his good will to everyone in his life. He had a strong faith in God and was a member of The Catholic Community of Whitesboro at St. Paul’s Church. Anthony is survived by his wife, Mella; his children and their spouses, William and Janice Rosato of PA, Miriam and Ken Dell of Rochester, Steven and Barbara Rosato of FL, Andrew and Suzanne Rosato of CT, and David and Michelle Rosato of FL; his grandchildren, Katherine and Michael DeChristopher, Anthony Rosato, and Linda Rosato; Kristin and Sean O’Neill, and Brian Dell and Liz Rybczak; Nicholas, Daniel, and Rachel Rosato; Theresa, and Andy Rosato; Christopher, Isabella, and Anthony Rosato. He also leaves the legacy of four great-grandchildren, Alex, Cory, Amy, Eric, and the anticipation of his 5th great-grandchild. He will also be remembered by his sister, Josephine “Lily” Rosato of Utica; and his brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Victoria Rosato of NJ. While his family grieves the loss of Anthony, they also experienced the loss of Anthony’s brother, Daniel Rosato, who passed away on January 9, 2015. Anthony’s extended family includes his many, many nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Charles and Gwen Beno, and Camille and the late Walter Kresa, Jr., who shared a close relationship and looked after their uncle and aunt with such love; his great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, with special mention of Marilyn and Jerome Cohen; and sisters-in-law, Yolanda Benedetto, and Dorothy Viti. He also knew the kindness of their longtime neighbors, Charles and Harriet Martin, and James and Karen O’Leary. He was predeceased by his brother and sisters-in-law, Phillip O. and Mary Ann Rosato, and Elen Rosato; his sister and brother-in-law, Lucy and Phillip Beno; his nephew, Philip W. Rosato; and his in-laws, Antoinette and Daniel Ciaola, Victor A. Viti, Guy L., Sr. and Rosalind Viti, and Leonard Benedetto. The family extends sincere thanks to the staff of The Friendly Home of Rochester, especially Anthony’s primary caregivers, Destiny and Richard, who tended to him with great care and made him so comfortable. Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Anthony’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 at The Catholic Community of Whitesboro at St. Paul’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Tom Durant with Military Honors conferred. For those wishing to do so, please consider a memorial donation in Anthony's honor to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Friendly Home of Rochester Staff Appreciation Fund; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Anthony R. Rosato

June 28, 1928 - January 7, 2015