Lillian R. Roselli – 72 – of Rochester, formerly of Hornell died Sunday (July 8, 2012) at Rochester General Hospital.
Born in Hornell on August 7, 1939, she was the daughter of Dominic & Mary (Constantino) Espisito.
Lillian grew up in Canisteo and was a graduate of Canisteo High School (class of 1957). She later attended St. James School of Nursing.
While living in Hornell she had been a member of St. Ann’s Parish. She was employed for a few years in the late 1970’s as “head cook” at Camp Rathbun. In the mid 1980’s she worked at the Head Start Program. Lillian has resided in Rochester since 1993. For several years she was active at the Friends of Westfall Senior Center in Rochester.
She was preceded in death by her former husband, Charles Roselli who died in 2003; and her sister, Mary “Dolly” Bartlett.
Surviving are 3 sons, Charles “Chuck” (Shannon) Roselli of Grand Forks, ND, Dominic (Stephanie) Roselli of Nashville, TN and Matthew Roselli of Rochester; 1 daughter, Mary (Clinton) Chiress of Orlando, FL; 2 sisters, Genevieve Iacovazzi of Orlando, FL and Mildred D’Apice of Arazona; 7 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; several nieces & nephews.
At Mildred’s request there will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.
Chuck, Dominic, Matthew, and Mary,
May all of you find peace in your hearts at this time of great loss. There is no greater loss than a mother. I will always fondly remember Lillian well. I grew up on Front St, Hornell and would hang out all the time a “Chuck’s” house. Lillian practically raised half of the kids on the street. If you hung out long enough she would put you to work. I got stuck doing more KP duty (I remember washing a lot of dishes!). She always had a great big jar of tea or kool-aid on the counter for us kids. I remember the great big red brick house, the grape arbour out back and so many memories. I remember the summers Lillian and Charlie would be gone to Camp Rathbun and we would all scurry around trying to clean the house before they got home so we all would not get in trouble. :0) We all helped to keep Chuck out (or in!) trouble! Believe me they would raise the roof if they found it a mess! The house is gone now. When I come home to my mothers house where she still lives, I drive by the tract where the infamous Roselli house once stood and can’t help but go back to my teenage years. Lillian, you helped make my youth special. Even when you were mad at us kids, which was never for very long! Rest in Peace. I will never forget the house and the people that lived there that helped forge my future. Lillian was always at the center of it all. I’m in Virginia now. I will be coming home to Hornell this weekend but won’t be able to make the funeral on Friday. My own mother is here visiting with me and we hope to see any of you on Saturday, 14 July at her home.
My heart goes out to all of you.
Love and Sympathy,
Judi (Silsby) Presley (and Chip and Troy)
Chuck Roselli and Family,
My sincere condolences and my love, I remember Lillian fondly and was part of my growing up, hanging out at your house will always have special meaning to me. I wouldn’t do the 1980’s over without her! While the house is gone, my niece built their house on that location and I always go back in time a little when I walk over there.
Love and Sympathy,
Martin and Irasema Pettibone
Chuck, Dom, Matt and Mary Helen and family,
Where do I even begin? Lillian was more than a cousin to me as are all of you. She was like a 2nd Mother. The memories of hanging out in the great big house and helping cook, can, gather veggies from the garden and washing tons and tons of dishes as we laughed, and even yelled which in our family yelling our names = I Love you ♥
I know its been awhile but the love and memories never fade. Her spirit and her soul touched not only my life but so many others.
I could not make the viewing today as I am in Austin Tx but I was there in spirit, and my tears are sad but also full of joy knowing how special Lillian was and always will be.
From my branch of the Family ( Mazza’s and Gardner) We send all of you love and hugs and our deepest sympathy over this sudden loss.
With Love always and forever,
Paula Gardner for the Mazza Family
Matt and family,
Im so sorry for the loss. Sorry we werent there for you as i just found out yesterday. If anything is needed please dont hesitate to call.