of Warwick, passed away on June 23, 2009 at St. Anthony’s Hospital. She was 90 years old.
Born on January 13, 1919 in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Frank Caristo and Meri-Judith Tropia.
She was married to the late Joseph T. Rocco, who passed away on January 12, 2009.
Mrs. Rocco was a Designer Seamstress with Nantucket Mills in NYC and was formerly a Secretary with Kidder Peabody, NYC. She started the Senior Bowling League at Frontier Lanes, calling themselves “Recycled Teenagers”. She was also a member of the Stonehouse Seniors Center and active in senior’s games. She was a parishioner of St. Stephen’s RC Church.
A family statement reads: “Carmela will be remembered for her love of short stories, sewing, gardening, love of flowers, and cooking, especially potatoe crochettes – gifts that she generously shared with all. She and Pop made activities and outings with grandchildren and family the center of their family times. She will be dearly missed.”
She is survived by her children: son, Joseph Rocco, Jr. and his wife Deborah of Spring Hill, Florida, and daughter, Stella Salisbury and her husband Wesley of Warwick. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren: Jimmy Rocco and his wife Starla, Regina Jo McCaughan and her husband Michael, Monique Salisbury, and Daniel Rocco; five great-grandchildren: William Rocco, Andrea Rocco, Darian Rocco, Matthew McCaughan and Jonathan McCaughan. She is also survived by brothers: Vincent Caristo of the state of Florida and Patsy Caristo of Brooklyn; sisters: Mary Cicero of Georgia, Anne Gandolfo of NJ; nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Friday, June 26th, from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Avenue, Warwick. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday at St. Stephen’s RC Church. Private cremation.