Rosemary E. "Ro" (Curri) Velardi

Rosemary "Ro" (Curri) Velardi, age 78, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2006, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Born in Utica on June 23, 1928, Rosemary was the daughter of the late Antonio Curri and Vita Marie (Turi) Curri; and the sister of the late Nicholas R. Curri. The family is comforted that she is now reunited with them. She was raised and educated locally. Rosemary worked outside of the home at Proctor High School and later at Donovan Jr. High School, from where she retired almost two years ago. She had a strong work ethic which was instilled in her by her parents who, as young teens, immigrated to America from Alberobello, a Province of Bari, Italy. Rosemary's primary focus was her five children, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a warm-hearted woman who truly was a devoted mother and grandmother. A generous and decent woman, her attention to other's needs was unsurpassed. Her finest qualities were her unconditional love and humor. During her leisure time, she enjoyed being with her life-long friend, Julia Mastrovito, her friend, Gloria Pannofino, her cousin, Pauline Stemmer, and other dear friends too numerous to mention. She was a member of the local Sons of Italy and American Legion and enjoyed attending dances and social gatherings at both societies. But her greatest recreational happiness was derived from donating her time to the Saints Cosmo and Damiano Chapel Shrine on Kossuth Ave. She had a devout belief in her Lord and the Saints. Rosemary is survived by her five children: Salvatore Velardi of Connecticut, Jacqueline (Velardi) Pepperine, Anthony "Tony" Velardi, and Dominick Velardi, all of Utica, and Jamelyn "Jamie" (Velardi) Hopsicker of Whitesboro. She is also survived by her loving daughter-in-law, Kelly (O'Toole) Velardi; and a son-in-law, Glenn Hopsicker, who she loved and appreciated. In addition, she leaves her much adored grandchildren, Jeffrey Velardi, Tracy Velardi, Michael Pepperine, Jason Velardi, Rebecca Pepperine, Daniel Velardi, Nicholas Velardi, Aaron Velardi, Bradley Velardi, Tony Velardi, Jr., and Christopher Velardi; and her great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and a cherished family pet, Spencer. While living in Utica, Rosemary was blessed with many friends and neighbors. The entire family is grateful for all the support, well-wishes, and prayers offered by friends and relatives during their time of need. The family also thanks the compassionate staff and physicians at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for the excellent care and concern they offered Rosemary and her family. Visitation will be held today (Friday) from 5-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Rosemary's funeral will commence on Saturday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Agnes Church, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Rosemary E. "Ro" (Curri) Velardi

June 23, 1928 - November 22, 2006