Mrs. Rose J. DeCenzo

Rosalie "Rose" Josephine Ciarlariello DeCenzo of Cortland, N.Y., passed away Saturday, March 29, 2014 at the Cortland Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center at the age of 96. Born August 23, 1917, in Cortland, Rose was the daughter of Domenick and Coronata "Laura" Romano Ciarlariello of Campobasso, Italy. At the age of 16, Rose began work at the Cortland Line Company, then at Wilson Tennis Racquets in Cortland. After the birth of her daughters, Rose was hired by Brewer Tichner where she worked for 23 years. She retired from SUNY Cortland in 1984 after spending several years as part of the custodial staff. Rose also owned and operated several gift shops through the years, most recently Rosie's Red Barn on Port Watson St. Rose was a lifelong communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church. She loved to travel, dance, read, cook for her family, and play with her great-grandchildren. She is survived by a sister, Pauline Robbins; daughters Sandra (John) Wellings, and Connie Hopko (Howie Nothacker) of Florida; her grandchildren Scott (Maria) Hopko, Kevin Wellings (Heather MacDuffee), Leigh (Brendan) McGovern, and Jessica Wellings of Buffalo; great-grandchildren Rosalie, Nicholas, Amanda, Jack, Emma, and Sophina; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, Rose was preceded in death by sisters Giovannina (Jenny) Giammichele, Carmela (Molly) Maniaci, Concetta (Connie) Burns, and infant Concietta Ciarlariello; brothers-in-law Carl Giammichele, William Maniaci, Alton Robbins, and Woodrow Burns; and husband Victor DeCenzo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 3 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Carlo Stirpe serving as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to join in celebrating Rose's life on Wednesday, April 2 at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church from 4 to 7 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, 69 N. Main St., Cortland, NY 13045. Memorial contributions in Rose's name may be directed to the Cortland County Office for the Aging, 60 Central Ave., Cortland, N.Y. and Access to Independence of Cortland County, 26 N. Main St., Cortland, N.Y.

Mrs. Rose J. DeCenzo

August 23, 1917 - March 29, 2014