Mrs. Rosemary G. (Pellegrino) Malerba

UTICA - Mrs. Rosemary G. (Pellegrino) Malerba, age 84, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2017 at the Presbyterian Home for Central NY. At the time of her passing, she was in the hearts of those she loved most. Born in Utica on July 30, 1933, Rosemary was the daughter of the late Carmine J., Sr. and Mary (Giglio) Pellegrino. She attended Brandegee Grammar School and T.R. Proctor High School. On September 4, 1954 she married Anthony N. Malerba, their love for one another and their family meant the world to them. They shared more than 45 years together prior to his passing on April 11, 2000. Rosemary worked as an assembler at the General Electric Company Radio/Receiver Plant and subsequently worked as a LPN at the Utica State Hospital. She then paused to raise her family. She returned to the workforce with the Utica City School District in a perfect position as a School Bus Monitor for children with disabilities. She loved the kids, and her kindness and generosity were respected and honored. She lastly transitioned to the position of Bus driver, and again, she gave her heart to the students and her gentle spirit spoke to them. They knew that she loved them. Rosemary was a dedicated mother, and a wife who adored and worshipped her husband who was her perfect match in life. She also helped raise her siblings when they were young. She was compassionate, considerate, congenial, and kind. She was an excellent cook, creating meals from time-tested family recipes, and her baking was delectable. She hosted the holidays and had a unique way of displaying her handmade Christmas bulbs by attaching them to garland and suspending them from the ceiling. She crocheted afghans, was an avid reader and a knowledgeable collector of antique cut glass. During the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s she was a vender of her collections at various flea markets and especially at the annual Bouckville and the Syracuse Antique Shows. Rosemary and Anthony enjoyed games of chance and the excitement of Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and Turning Stone Casino. They also loved to travel, camp out, and embrace new adventures. She knew her Lord and offered her devotion to various parishes in the area. She held a deep veneration for Padre Pio and the Blessed Mother. As you may guess from her gentle nature and love of the Lord, Rosemary was a friend to all his creatures… and a best friend to her dachshunds and felines. Rosemary is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Anthony M. “Tony” and Jacqueline Malerba, Richard and Rhonda Malerba, and Steve and Rose Ann Malerba. She held close to her heart the memories of her infant daughter, Mary Lourdes Malerba, and her infant son, John Malerba, who will greet her in heaven. She also leaves her grandchildren, Alexandria Malerba, and Christina Malerba; Carly Malerba, and Stephanie Malerba; Savannah Malerba, Christopher, and Ariana Malerba. She will also be remembered by her sisters, Beverly Pellegrino, and Jeanette Pellegrino; her brothers and sister-in-law, Carmen and Lucille Pellegrino, Robert J. Pellegrino, and Dominick Pellegrino; her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Clairice “Dee Dee” Pellegrino. When she resided in the town of Lee, Rosemary found a dear friend who has since passed away, whose name was Richard. They became friends and he assisted her in the upkeep of her home and was loved by the family. They have held his memory sacred and have been eternally grateful. She was predeceased by her brother, Anthony F. Pellegrino; her sister and brother-in-law, Adeline and Lorenzo “Larry” Russo; sister-in-law, Marie R. Pellegrino and members of the Malerba family; and niece, Mary Louise Sirianni. The Presbyterian Home for Central NY was a haven for Rosemary. She felt safe, well cared for, and loved by the staff of the Cedar Unit. They were such a blessing. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Rosemary’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at the convenience of the family in Calvary Cemetery. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation in memory of Rosemary to the Presbyterian Home for Central NY online at www.presbyterianhome.com; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Mrs. Rosemary G. (Pellegrino) Malerba

July 30, 1933 - December 18, 2017