Rosalina De Filippo

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rosalina De Crescenzo De Filippo, age 99, of Rotterdam, NY. Rosalina entered into eternal rest on Monday September 8, 2025, just two months shy of her 100th birthday. She lived a long and meaningful life that spanned nearly a century.

Rosalina was born on November 11, 1925, in Caiazzo, Italy, to the late Raimondo De Crescenzo and Maria Cristina Albanese. She immigrated to the United States in September 1970 with her husband and her two sons. The family settled in the Mount Pleasant section of Schenectady where they built a life rooted in love, sacrifice, and resilience. They attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church and later moved to a new home, which they built in Rotterdam.

Rosalina became a U.S. citizen for one purpose, to sponsor Giuseppina and Celeste Raffaele Civitella and their two kids, Angelina and Antonio. That act was not only a legal obligation but also a profound commitment to make sure her family, as immigrants, would not become a burden to others but instead have the chance to build a life here and the opportunity to live the American Dream.

She retired from Canteen Food Services at General Electric in Schenectady, but her true calling was in her kitchen. Rosalina’s cooking was the heartbeat of family gatherings. Her famous “guanti” were her signature. They were pillowy light and always dusted generously with powdered sugar that inevitably landed on everyone’s shirt. Her rice pies were legendary, and Saturdays were never complete without her “minestra” simmering with pancetta. In the summer months, her garden had tons of vegetables and overflowed with zucchini and pumpkin blossoms, which she transformed into golden, crisp “Fritto di Fiori di Zucca”.

Sundays brought the whole family together around her table, always beginning with pasta and what were fondly known as the largest meatballs in the world. Beyond her kitchen, Rosalina and her husband shared a deep devotion to their Catholic faith. Together they traveled on pilgrimages to shrines, churches, and sites of miracles, guided by an unshakable love for God. At home, she faithfully read religious newsletters and magazines, and she found joy in crocheting beautiful blankets, each one stitched with love for her grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Giuseppe De Filippo, with whom she shared 68 years of marriage before his passing in 2008. Rosalina was also preceded in death by her son Giovanni, her siblings Domenico, Antonio, Alfonzo, and Antonietta in Italy, and her son-in-law Celeste Raffaele Civitella.

Rosalina, the beloved matriarch of her family, will be forever cherished by her loving children: Giuseppina Civitella, Renato (Josephine) De Filippo, and Giovanni (Giovanna) De Filippo. She is also survived by her brother, Salvatore De Crescenzo, and his wife Filomena, both of Italy, as well as her sister-in-law, Luisa De Crescenzo, also of Italy. Rosalina leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews who will always remember her with love and gratitude. She also leaves behind a proud legacy in her grandchildren: Angelina (Louis) Donadio, Antonio (Maria) Civitella, Maria (Christopher) Broussard, Rosalynn (Jaime) Smith, Giuseppe (Heather) De Filippo, Anthony De Filippo, and Massimo De Filippo.

Her love extended across generations to her great-grandchildren: Michael (Hayley) Donadio, Alessio Civitella, Nicholas De Filippo, Brianna De Filippo and Christian Smith; and her great-great-grandchildren: Matteo and Celeste Donadio.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Community Hospice for the comfort and dignity they provided to Rosalina in her final days. They also wish to lovingly acknowledge her son Giovanni, whose constant presence and tireless devotion brought his mother peace and comfort until her final moments.

Calling hours will be held Friday September 12th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave, Schenectady, NY. A Mass of Christian of Burial will be offered on Saturday September 13th at 11am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Schenectady. Entombment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. Colonie. Condolences can be posted at demarcostonefuneralhome.com.