Maria Rose Simone

REXFORD- Maria Rosa Ragozzino Simone, of Rexford, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, with her devoted family by her side, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and family. Maria Rosa was born to the late Michael and Beatrice Ragozzino. On June 11, 1953, she married the love of her life, Florindo Simone, Sr., in a ceremony at Our Lady of the Snow in the province of Benevento, Italy. Just weeks before her passing, she spoke fondly of that day, remembering it as the Festa della Madonna della Neve — the Feast of Our Lady of the Snow — celebrated each year on August 5th. In April 1954, Maria Rosa and Florindo, Sr. made their home in Schenectady, where they were married a second time at St. Anthony’s Church. Together they shared 71 years of marriage, a lifelong love story that began in Italy and blossomed into a family built on devotion, faith, and togetherness. Maria Rosa worked at Carl Company, Two Guys, and Price Chopper over the years, but her truest calling was always her family. Though she had the loving help of her own mother along the way, Maria Rosa gave herself fully and wholeheartedly to raising her three sons, and later poured that same boundless love into her role as grandmother and, in time, great- grandmother. She was the heart that kept the family close — the family’s beloved party planner, always finding a reason to bring everyone together, and always wanting nothing but the best for those she loved. She was a lifetime parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church, where her faith remained a steady and guiding presence throughout her life. Maria Rosa’s home was never quiet, and that was exactly how she liked it. She had a gift for hospitality and an open door for anyone who walked through it — family, friends, neighbors, it didn’t matter. She was constantly inviting people in to share a meal, a laugh, and the warmth of her table. There was always room for one more plate, one more chair, one more person to fold into the fold. She truly loved having her house full — full of food, full of noise, full of the people she cherished. Her contagious laugh filled every room she was in, the kind that made everyone around her laugh right along with her, and it is one of the many ways she will be remembered. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Florindo Simone, Sr.; her parents, Michael and Beatrice Ragozzino; and her brother, Michael (Carmella) Ragozzino. Maria Rosa is survived by her three sons, Anthony M. (Diane) Simone, Florindo A. (Martha) Simone, Jr., and Michael P. Simone; her brother, Pasquale (Debbie) Ragozzino; and many loving nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, who treasured the love she gave them: Anthony (Kelly) Simone, Jr., Matthew (Julia) Simone, Aaron Simone, Lia (Giacomo) Ellena, Mia (Kennon) Otey, and Angelo (Marcy) Simone.Carrying on her legacy are her great-grandchildren: Lorenzo Simone, Penelope Simone, Francesca Simone, Leonardo Otey, Elliana Otey, Giancorrado Ellena, and Matteo Ellena. Maria Rosa’s life was one of enduring love — for her husband, her faith, and above all, her family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the gift of knowing her.
Services Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, Rotterdam, 1605 Helderberg Ave, Schenectady, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Schenectady, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Maria Simone to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital P.O. Box 1000, Department 142 Memphis, TN 38148 or Online at stjude.org. Online condolences may be offered at demarcostonefuneralhome.com