Rosalie M. "Rose" (Graziano) Miller

Mrs. Rosalie M. “Rose” (Graziano) Miller, age 89, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2008 at the St. Joseph Nursing Home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on November 12, 1918, Rosalie was the daughter of the late James and Josephine (Maggiore) Graziano. She was raised and educated locally. On July 4, 1946 she married Anthony J. Miller with whom she shared a great love for 61 years. As a couple, Rose and Tony were devoted to each other. With her husband Tony beside her, Rose was involved in the ownership and operation of the family concern, Graziano’s Furniture Store located on the corner of Bleecker St. and Mohawk St. for many years. They shared both a partnership in furniture and a partnership in family. Their honest business practices and integrity endeared them to their many patrons over the years; their customers adored them. They developed a friendly reputation and formed lasting friendships through their devotion and loyalty, always providing a family-like atmosphere. As a complement to her kind and gracious nature, Rose possessed unique qualities that set her apart. She always greeted everyone with a smile that lit up a room. Her husband held her in his heart as a loving matriarch, as he was an only child and considered her an expert in raising the family. For special family events, it was always Rose who organized and planned the occasions. Above all else, her grandchildren were her life. She was warm-hearted and social, a good listener who always made time for her friends, and those who knew her loved her dearly. At one time, she was president and treasurer of the East Side Senior Center, and a member of the Sons of Italy lodge. She was a devoted member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish and she was also a parishioner of St. George’s Catholic Church. Rose is survived by her husband, Tony; her daughter, Joanne DePaul Wargo of Utica; her grandchildren, Alaina C. and Dennis E. Mazza, and Joseph A. and Jennifer (Circelli) DePaul, all of Utica; and her great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Dana, and Nicholas Mazza, and Alexis Rose, Joseph, and Daniel DePaul. Survivors also include her sister and brother-in-law, Josephine “Babs” and Cosmo Curri of Utica; and her nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging James & Helen Pugliese of Clifton Park, NY, Larry and Sandra Pugliese of FL, Lee and Elaine (Curri) Lowell of NC, Charles "Chuck" and Lorraine Curri of Oriskany, Jim and Andrea (Curri) Smith of TX, and Mark and Connie Curri of NC, all of whom she shared a mutual love; and several great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was also blessed with many special friends, including Jackie Schafer. She was predeceased by her brother, Phillip Graziano; her sister, Ann Graziano Pugliese; and her son-in-law, Joseph S. DePaul. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of the St. Joseph Nursing Home, especially the Sisters, nurses and aides for their very genuine care and concern not only shown to Rose, but to Tony as well. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Rose’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery. “Please smile for me.”

Rosalie M. "Rose" (Graziano) Miller

November 12, 1918 - March 20, 2008