Rose D'Orazio, a woman who dedicated her life to the love and wellbeing of her family, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at the age of 94. Rose's last moments were peaceful, with family by her side.
Rose was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of two Sicilian immigrants, Carmelo and Palma Facciponte. At an early age, she began working in her family's grocery store on 3rd Avenue. After completing her high school degree, Rose began working outside of the store, but soon returned to the family business. Rose, proud of her long hours and even longer weeks, continued her work at the family store for the remainder of her working years. In her late teens, Rose met and fell in love with her husband, a young Italian immigrant named Lorenzo D'Orazio. The couple married in 1946 and would spend the next 67 years together - exemplifying the true meaning of life-partners. In 1991, Rose and Larry made Oxford, New York, their new home.
Rose cared most deeply about her family. Her life's true love, the purpose behind her days, was undoubtedly her late and beloved husband, Larry. Together, the couple epitomized the pinnacle of loyalty, love and devotion. Few couples seem so perfectly made for one another. Early in life, together, they danced the Lindy Hop and the Jitterbug, frequented the Copacabana and rode the Wonder Wheel at Coney Island. In the heart of life, together, they worked tirelessly, raised two children, and built a home filled with joy, laughter and love. Later in life, together, they wholly embraced their role as grandparents, showering each of their grandchildren with genuine love, careful wisdom and selfless generosity.
Rose's life-long labor of love was preparing meals for her family. For Rose, it was much more than sustenance. It represented culture, tradition, creative expression, and at its very core, a way of life. While each family member had their favorite dishes, her entire cuisine was remarkable both for the perfection of its taste, but also for its simplicity. A feat even more remarkable considering Rose's only measuring tool was the palm of her hand. Lunch at Rose's table were picture-perfect; her holidays were masterpieces. Nothing made Rose happier than having family and friends gathered around a table enjoying her delicious meals-a true labor of her love.
Rose was a proud, but humble woman. Her faith was strong, but not effusive. Her generosity, especially for her family, knew absolutely no bounds. She led by example, not by word. And she could impart kindness, even to strangers, with the warmth of her smile. Finally, and above all else, Rose was genuinely cherished by her family and community. Her legacy will live forever in the hearts and memories of her children: Nina Rose Todaro and her husband John; Carl D'Orazio and his wife June, and her five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren: Chris D'Orazio, his wife Katherine and children, Giovanni, Sicily Rose and Elliott; Luke D'Orazio and his sons, Macalan and Kole; Sara Rose Dickson, her husband Matt and daughter, Julianna; David Todaro and his partner Chyann Porterfield and Mat Todaro, his wife Lauren and children, Josephine and Lorenzo.
Friends and family may call at the Behe Funeral Home Inc. 21 Main Street, Oxford, NY 13830 on Friday, April 5, 2019 from 5:00PM -7:00PM. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday April 6, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the St. Joseph's RCC of Oxford with Father Paul Machira officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Rose's name can be made out to St. Joseph's RCC of Oxford. Friends and Family may share memories and condolences by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com
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