Rose DiCello

Rose DiCello, passed away September 28, 2022, just 2 months shy of her 101st birthday. Rose was born in Bella, Italy in 1921 and emigrated to the US with her parents, Gennaro and Vincenza; her sister, Antoinette (Menniti); and brother, Pasquale, initially in 1927 and then permanently in 1932. The family spent many years in Pittsburgh’s Hill District where Rose proudly graduated from Fifth Avenue High School in 1942. After graduation she began a long working life with Western Pennsylvania National Bank. Rose enjoyed her co-workers and customers and even received a commendation for keeping a cool head during a bank robbery. Rose retired from Equibank in 1983.

Rose always loved to travel. As a young woman, she had lots of fun with her sister, cousins, and girlfriends at dude ranches in the Laurel Highlands and in Atlantic City. In the early 1950s, she made her first trip back to Italy and enjoyed the travel so much that she began taking yearly trips all over Europe and the US. Her favorite spots were with family in Calabria and Imperia and she also loved London. She could never understand how Hitler had the nerve to bomb her favorite city. Her last trip was to Venice, Imperia, Rome, and Calabria in 2005. Rose connected her US family to our families in Italy, Australia, and Wales, and we are so grateful to her for the strong relationships we have with them today.

Rose loved nothing more than spending time with her 7 nieces and nephews. She taught us how to stick up for ourselves by writing a letter, the fine arts of worrying and keeping score, and to always buy gifts for family when on vacation. There was nothing more exciting than picking her up at the airport and her opening her luggage full of special gifts for all of us. Rose was always available to the next generation of 20 grandnieces and grandnephews. She never said no when someone needed a sitter, usually bringing treats from Potomac Bakery or making some pasta, cookies or muffins. No one made pizzelles better than Aunt Rose – maybe it was all the Hail Mary’s she said to get the timing of each one just right. When the kids got older, she enjoyed introducing them to The Casino, supplying the cash and good luck.

Rose outlived her sister, Antoinette, many neighbors on Earlsmere Avenue in Dormont, her work families, generations of friends, travel companions, and cousins. She attributed her long life to a healthy diet, walking everywhere, and a nice glass of red wine every day. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Masonic Village in Sewickley who cared for her since 2016 with respect and affection.

While we will all miss her, she is imprinted in so many things we do every day that we will never forget her.

Rose’s life will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass at St. Bernard’s Church, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 311 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 at 10:00 am on Thursday, October 6, 2022. Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, 1650 Greentree Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 1020 W. State St., Baden, PA 15005.

www.SlaterFuneral.com