Obituary of Rose M. Illi
Rose M. Illi passed away peacefully on October 26, 2019 at the Abraham House of Rome, surrounded by her loving family.
Rose was born in Utica on March 3, 1926 to the late Frank and Anna Butera Cafano. She attended grammar school at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel and graduated from Proctor High School in 1945. In 1949, she went on a blind date with Orlando J. Illi, Sr., whom would end up being the love of her life. The two were united in marriage on August 5, 1950 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel by Rev. William Pizzoglio, and shared 42 years of love until his passing on November 19, 1992. Rose worked as a therapy aide at the Rome State School for over 23 years, retiring in 1983.
Rose was a 25 year member of the Plum Twig, and also a member of the Marion Guild of St. John’s.
She is survived by her devoted daughter, Deborah (Peter) Yousey of Rome; two sons, Orlando Jr. (Brenda) Illi of Hagerstown, MD, and Gary (Gloria) Illi of Fayetteville, GA; four grandchildren, Vincent (Kelly) Illi, Robert (Kelsey) Yousey, Latavia, and Rochelle Illi; a great grandson, Gabriel Fowler; her canine grandson, Alex; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Grace (Raplg) Pugliese, Jennie (Julius) Bogdanonicz, Elizabeth DiCaprio, and Carolyn Cafano; and a brother, Angelo Cafano.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11 AM at the Church of St. John the Baptist with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 10 to 11 AM prior to the mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Church.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.
Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.