Celeste Ann (DeBernardis) Rositano

Celeste Ann Rositano, 55, of Watertown, MA and formerly of Utica, NY, passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 in her home after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the unconditional love of her family. Celeste was born on March 2, 1957, the daughter of Leon and Carolyn (Giannatelli) DeBernardis. She was raised and educated in Utica, a 1975 graduate of Utica Free Academy. On February 14, 1976, Celeste was united in marriage to her soul mate and one true love, David A. Rositano, a loving and devoted marriage of 24 years, until his untimely death on May 6, 2000. Celeste’s successful career in real estate led to her appointment by Mayor Edward Hanna and reappointment by Mayor Tim Julian to serve as the City Assessor of Utica from 1997 until 2002, when she left her hometown to move to the Boston, MA area to start a new chapter of her life, surrounded by her three living children. Celeste’s children were the pride of her life, sharing a deep connectedness and unbreakable bond with each of them. Predeceased by her second child, Marcus J. Rositano, on February 29, 1980, Celeste overcame an unthinkable tragedy and would continue to lead a life as an example of strength, courage and unrelenting love to the rest of her family. She is survived by three beloved children and their spouses, Matthew Rositano and his wife Sarah, of Natick, MA, Valerie Tomaselli and her husband Mike, of Estero, FL, and Amanda Rositano and her husband Tony Lawrence, of Watertown, MA. She also leaves three adoring grandchildren, Isabella, Alexis and Charles, with one more on the way. She leaves her parents, Leon and Carolyn DeBernardis, and three siblings, Susan Augusto, Patty Scaramella and her husband Harry, and Leon Debernardis and his wife Mia. She will be missed by several nieces and nephews, whose lives she also touched in a profound and inspiring way. The family would like to offer special thanks to their dear friends, Christine DeMott, of Watertown, MA, who spent countless hours caring for Celeste in her final weeks of life and offering a distinct and special companionship, and to Alan Stevenson, Lauren O’Sullivan and Ben McLellan for the support and friendship that they have continually provided to Celeste and her family. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday afternoon from 2-3 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Celeste's Celebration of Life will commence at 3:00 immediately upon the conclusion of the gathering.

Celeste Ann (DeBernardis) Rositano

March 2, 1957 - March 20, 2012