Beverly (DeStefano) Cassella

Rotterdam - Beverly (DeStefano) Cassella moved through life with courage and grace. An altruistic woman of exquisite taste, she provided comfort and solace to many while asking little in return.  After a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, she passed peacefully on January 28, 2023, at home surrounded by loved ones.

Beverly was born in Amsterdam, New York to John DeStefano Sr. and Angelina Colasante before moving to Schenectady.  After graduating from Mont Pleasant High School, she relocated to New York City where she modeled and began a forty-year career with General Electric Corporation ultimately retiring from KAPL in Niskayuna.  In her retirement, Beverly was well known as a hostess and server at many local restaurants and banquet venues.

A devoted mother, Beverly’s words and actions encapsulated the beautiful nature of her love, displayed throughout the various stages of her children’s lives.  She was a vivacious soul who moved briskly through life, full of laughter, compassion, and faithful service to others as a parishioner and choir member at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, and through her many charitable works to include Birth Right of Schenectady.  An avid bowler, she loved Pinochle, tennis, and the New York Yankees. 

Beverly is predeceased by her former husband Frank Cassella Jr. She is reunited in heaven with her beloved parents John, Angelina, and step-father Anthony Mauro, several aunts and uncles, sister-in-law Lucille DeStefano, long-time companion Nick Donato, many life-long friends, and her cherished animal companions.  She is survived by her adored brother John DeStefano Jr. of Amsterdam, her son Dominick Cassella (Rain Matarazzo), and daughters Tracey Klotz (Eric), and Milan Cassella, grandchildren Christina Merwin, Christian Cassella, Ethan Klotz, Lennon Matarazzo, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A visitation will be held for family and friends Friday evening February 3rd from 4 - 8 p.m at DeMarco Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 am Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Church, 806 Union St., Schenectady with the Reverend Richard A. Carlino as Celebrant.  Beverly will be laid to rest at Saint Michaels Cemetery, Amsterdam, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

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