Obituary of Antonia Rotondi

A Life spanning a over a century and two countries, Antonia Rotondi, 106, passed away peacefully February 5, 2015 at Baptist Health and Rehabilitation Center where she has lived since 2001. Born in Broccostella, Province of Frosinone, Italy on April 14, 1908, she was the daughter of Vangelista and Maria Louisa Ferri DeCiantis. Antonia almost died eight decades ago, resisting a German soldier who demanded possession of her beloved cow, which she denied having, as the army confiscated dairy cows for army sustenance during WWII. Her brother braced himself for his sister's demise, plugging his ears- But her brother's actions of what was then expected softened the soldiers and they eventually pardoned Mrs. Rotondi. The family lived off their 4 acre farm which had two acres of olive trees- Mrs. Rotondi's husband, Francesco, was able to get to America first via the United States Army years earlier. Because the mail system at the time was unreliable, the family spent years unsure if he was alive! Antonia emigrated to the U.S. in 1949 and instantly was woven into Schenectady's Little Italy Neighborhood. She was a faithful communicant of St. Anthony's Church since her arrival. She was an excellent homemaker and remembered by her children as the Best Mother one could have. Her hard working hands never stopped and she took great pride with her vegetable gardening. Mrs. Rotondi loved to sing. Franceso passed away on December 15, 1958. Antonia became a Eucharistic minister, joined the Society of the Sacred Heart and prayed the rosary daily. At the nursing home, not a day went by without visits from her sons, bringing her in home made soup, meatballs and frittata- with a ounce or two of home made wine. Antonia was always certain God had a reason for her longevity. She was predeceased by her daughter Loretta Annoni. Survivors include her children: Rocco (Susan Tatro), of Colonie, Antonio (Maria) of Rexford, Benito (Barbara) of Round Lake; Viola Cagenini of Schenectady and Olga Pallolola of Niskayuna; 26 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Funeral services begin on Monday, Feb. 9th at 10 AM from the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. followed at 11 AM by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Church, Union St. Schenectady. Calling ours will be Sunday from 4 -6 PM at the Glenville Funeral Home. Interment St. john the Baptist Cemetery, Brandywine Avenue. Contributions are requested to Baptist Health and Rehabilitation Center, 297 N. Ballston Avenue Scotia, NY 12302 or to ST. ANTHONY's CHURCH, Nott St. Schenectady, NY 12308.