Rose D. Perta

Rose D. Perta, age 90, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2008 in the comfort of her home. Born in Utica on July 22, 1917, Rose was the daughter of the late Orazio and Martina (Ricci) Perta. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. She pursued her collegiate studies at the New York State Teachers College in Albany where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Science. Rose made her own contribution to the world when she paved the way in science education by being the first female chemistry teacher in New York State. She taught at the George Junior Republic High School in Ithaca, NY, and later at the Lake Brant High School. At one time, she held a teaching position in Glens Falls, NY. She subsequently continued teaching military dependents overseas in Japan and Clark Field in the Philippines for a period of three years. She was also an educator in France, and began her final tenure in Germany where she spent 25 years. Rose was a paragon in her chosen career, and she frequently kept in contact with her former students whose lives she enriched. An explorer by nature, she was a seasoned traveler who visited many foreign countries during her lifetime. During her spare time, she was an avid reader. She was very dedicated to her Catholic faith and was a devout parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Rose is survived by her sisters, Lena Ficarra of Endicott, NY, and Antoinette Ellsworth of Utica; her brother and sister-in-law, John T. and Lynn Perta of Ohio; her many nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Donna and David Goss, Jr.; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and her sister-in-law, Angeline Perta. Rose was blessed with the friendship of Kim Christensen, a former student from Germany, now residing in California, who spent her summers with Rose until the time of Rose’s passing. She was predeceased by her brothers and sister-in-law, Peter A. Perta, Sr., and Dominick and Philomena Perta; her sister and brothers-in-law, Mary and Stuart Sweeney, Charles E. Ellsworth, and John Ficarra. The family would like to thank Lynn Afinowich of Angel Care and her staff for the wonderful around-the-clock care and attention shown to Rose and her family. In keeping with Rose’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, memorial contributions may be made to the Steven-Swan Humane Society or to The Alzheimer's Assn.; envelopes will be available at the service. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rose’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Rose D. Perta

July 22, 1917 - March 13, 2008