Mrs. Carmella M. "Carm" (DeRocco) Basi

Mrs. Carmella M. “Carm” (DeRocco) Ambrosi Basi, age 74, went home peacefully to be with the Lord as she passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 in the comfort of her home with her children by her side. Born in Utica on March 10, 1942, Carmella was the daughter of Rocco A. DeRocco, Sr. and the late Antoinette M. “Netti” (Giordano) DeRocco. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1959. Later that year, Carm married her first love, Hector B. Ambrosi with whom she shared 24 years in a union blessed with love and admiration. Not only were their minds and hearts in harmony as they built a family together, they were in tune with each other on the dance floor where they were known for their smooth and synchronized steps. Hector passed away in 1983. After raising her three children, Carm returned to school to pursue a college education. She enrolled at M.V.C.C. and SUNY Utica/Rome where she completed her undergraduate work. She went on to receive two Masters Degrees, one in Business Administration and the other in Special Education. Carm was blessed with a second chance at love when she married Robert “Rock” Basi on April 18, 1987. Their souls were connected as they enjoyed the latter part of life’s journey. They appreciated each day and the joys and meaningful moments that life presented them. Theirs was a solid relationship that brought solace to each of them. Rock passed away on January 14, 2008. During her career as a teacher with the Utica City School District, Carm worked at Utica Free Academy, T.R. Proctor High School, Conkling School, and lastly at Donovan Jr. High School, retiring in 2004. Carm was a kind, compassionate, and nurturing educator; her dedication will not be forgotten by her co-workers and students. She was a soft, gentle soul who could connect to people with sincerity. The energy that came from being with family, friends, and acquaintances illuminated her spirit and radiated an aura of love around her. Carm’s inner beauty, humble nature, and magnetic personality were complemented by her grace, charm, and elegant style. As a mother, Carm gave her children her ultimate love. She taught each of them to be true to themselves in all their endeavors. She protected them and put their needs before her own. She gave them the strength to move on in life when facing adversities. She was positive and optimistic in facing her own challenges and she learned to live with cancer. All the love she shared with others came back to her in abundance. Her fun-loving spirit was never dimmed as she found joy in the smallest moments. Music uplifted her soul as she loved to dance, attend concerts, and beam in the bright lights of Broadway shows. She was fond of family vacations, holidays, and Sunday dinners. She was a great hostess who valued traditions. Known for her creativity, she crocheted baby blankets and scarves and graciously gave them as gifts, little legacies that will recall her gentle life in the hearts of those who knew and loved her as the years go by without her. Carm was a woman of strong faith and a devoted communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, as well as the St. Theresa Society. She prayed each day and found comfort from inspirational speakers. She journaled daily messages which gave her courage in thinking forward. Her purpose in life to nurture and teach continued as she persevered with hope and faith …and others found strength from her. Carm is survived by her children and their loves, Denise M. Ambrosi and Ellie Della Penna, Mark P. Ambrosi, and Karla and John Spina; her dad, Rocco; her grandchildren, Alessandra and Tori Ambrosi and their mom, Lori; and John Jr., Nicholas, and Andrew Spina; her sister, Mary Lou Nolan and Larry Browne; and her brother, Rocco A. DeRocco, Jr., and R.J. Middlemiss; her in-laws, Donna DeRocco, Joseph Fiore, and Dr. Bartholomew A. “Bart”, Sr. and Carol Basi. Also left to remember her are her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Carm was blessed with many friendships that lasted a lifetime, including Diane, Carol, Mirella, Barb, Mariellen, and the rest of the club girls and casino gang. Carm was predeceased by her infant daughter Carla, her brother, Frank A. DeRocco; and her in-laws, Erasmo and Claudia Ambrosi, Rocco and Dorothy Basi, William F. Nolan, Lena Summa, Ceserina Hazelwood, Elsie Fiore, and Dorothy Smith. Carm battled cancer with several dear friends who, like her, were warriors; Antoinette, Florence, and Margaret who have gone before her. The family extends sincere appreciation for outstanding medical care provided to Carm with a touch of love to Dr. Ursula Matulonis, Cathy Earley/NP, and Stephanie Morrissey/RN at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute; Dr. Atul Butala, Tonya Marr/NP, and Annie Flagg/RN at the Faxton St. Luke’s Regional Cancer Center; Dr. Mathew Ulahannan; the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially Hilary Hamlin/RN; and Dr. Michael and Mary Tucciarone. The family will honor and commemorate Carm’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Carmella’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute online at http://www.dana-farber.org, the Regional Cancer Center online at https://secure.jotformpro.com/fslhfoundation/donate, or Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at http://www.hospicecareinc.org/donate/making-a-gift/; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Carmella M. "Carm" (DeRocco) Basi

March 10, 1942 - April 26, 2016