Josephine "Lily" Rosato

Josephine “Lily” Rosato, age 93, went home to join her siblings who have gone before her, when she passed away on Monday, January 12, 2015 at the Sitrin Health Care Center with her devoted family by her side. Born in Utica on November 23, 1921, Josephine was the daughter of the late Olindo William and Rose (Buonsegna) Rosato. Raised and educated locally, she attended T.R. Proctor High School. During her employment years, Lily worked as a sales clerk at Neisner’s Department Store and at the Boston Store both in downtown Utica. She subsequently began her career as an assembler at the Sperry Corporation/ Univac Division, the position from which she retired. When she wasn’t at work, Lily enjoyed the warmth and simple pleasures of being at home, and she seldom traveled. She was blessed with a gentle personality, and in her selfless way, she always took incredible care of everyone in her family. Although quiet by nature, she stepped up to avail herself of opportunities when necessary for the benefit of her family which was the most important part of her life. She was guided by the mantra that “As long as you and your family are okay, then that’s the most important thing”. Lily had a flair for independence and a mission to care for others. Her nieces and nephews were in her heart and she loved each of them unconditionally. She also held a special love for her siblings and their wellbeing. Her heart brimmed with a mother’s love as she helped nurture her nephew, Charles, as they lived under the same roof. She was an amazing woman in so many ways. She was an excellent cook and baker, and could assemble a giant puzzle with panache and speed. She found pleasure in completing the NY Times crossword puzzles. She was sociable and non-judgmental, embracing friends and family and welcoming them to her home. She had an inherent love for children and their innocence, a devotion that added meaning to her life and enhanced her motherly guidance. She enjoyed listening to opera and the music of her era, and was a fervent Yankees fan. She also loved God’s creatures and for many years there were pets around the house. Lily was a devout Catholic and attended St. Agnes Church. She graciously accepted the merging of her home parish with St. Anthony’s. She also recited the rosary for the intercessions of others. Lily is survived by her brother and sisters-in-laws, Dennis and Victoria Rosato of NJ and Carmella “Mella” Rosato of Rochester. While the family grieves the loss of Lily, they also remember in their hearts her brothers, Anthony R. Rosato, who passed away on January 7, 2015, and Daniel J. Rosato, who passed away on January 9, 2015. She also leaves her many cherished nieces and nephews, especially Charles, (who attended to his aunt with great love and devotion), and Gwen Beno, William and Janice Rosato, Miriam and Ken Dell, Steven and Barbara Rosato, Andrew and Suzanne Rosato, and David and Michelle Rosato; her great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, and several cousins with whom she shared a special bond especially Lucille Bonanza, JoAnn DeRoberto, and Marilyn (Singer) Cohen. She was predeceased by her brother and sisters-in-law, Phillip O. and Mary Ann Rosato, and Elen Rosato; her sister and brother-in-law, Lucy J. and Phillip Beno; her nephew, Phillip W. Rosato; and her uncle and aunt, Rocco and Josephine Bonanza. The family extends deep appreciation to Dr. Daniel Goodman, Dr. Andrew Pellecchia, the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center/Allen Calder wing, and the personnel at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center/Rehabilitation Unit, and the Sequoia House, whose staff all loved Lily and provided for her needs with outstanding compassion in their own unique ways. Visitation for Lily Rosato and her brother, Daniel Rosato will be held concurrently on Saturday from 10:00-12:00 noon at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Lily and Daniel’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where their Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Interments will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Josephine "Lily" Rosato

November 23, 1921 - January 12, 2015