Maria Serafini

SCHENECTADY - Maria DiCarlo Serafini, 77, of Tracy Avenue, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, at Ellis Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Maria was born on May 31, 1936, in Sora, Province of Frosinone, Italy, the daughter of the late Angelo and Cristina Serafini DiCarlo. Maria immigrated to the United States aboard the Andrea Doria in 1954, to join her husband. Although faced with many cultural challenges, Maria persevered with hard work, strength and determination provide for her family whom she so loved so dearly. She took great pride in her US citizenship and the opportunities it presented. In addition to providing for her family, Maria also worked for numerous local businesses. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Anthony's Church and the Laziale Society. She bestowed upon her children, her love of Italian food, traditions and music. Maria will long be remembered for her boisterous singing. She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, whom she married on August 16, 1953, Frank Serafini; loving and devoted children, Patricia Cusano and her husband Douglas, of Clifton Park, Anthony 'Nee' Serafini and his wife Sandra, of Charlton, Ann Marie Grzywaczewski and her husband Jeff, of Schenectady, Joseph Serafini and his wife Christine, of Schenectady and Frank Serafini and his wife Molly, of Glenville; adoring grandchildren, Douglas, Geoffrey and Cristina Cusano, Joey Grzywaczewski, Justin, Jordan, Antonio, Kaleigh and Angelo Serafini; her devoted sister, Santina and Felice DiCocco, of Schenectady; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Michele and Vita Serafini, of Rexford; the late Domenico and Maria Serafini, Ercole and Filomena DiCocco, Luigi and Angelina Serafini. She is also survived by numerous godchildren and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Monday morning at 9am from the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, Union at N. Jay Streets, and then to her beloved St. Anthony's Church, Seward Place where a Mass will be con-celebrated at 10am. Entombment will follow in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and aides at A3 Ellis Hospital, and the staff of Community Hospice for their gracious care they provided to Maria. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon from 3 to 6 pm. For online condolences please visit www.rossiditorofuneralhome.com Memorial contributions may be made in Maria's memory to American Diabetes Assoc. 7 Washington Square, Albany, NY 12205 or to Community Hospice, 1411 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12308.

Maria Serafini

May 31, 1936 - October 23, 2013