Mrs. Rosaria Baldino

On a Thursday morning, December 8th,1927, Rosaria was born to Dominick and Maria Cotroneo in Brooklyn, New York. The youngest of four children, Rosaria was doted on by her brothers, Anthony and Richard, and especially her beloved sister, Marian. She grew-up in a close-knit family with many aunts, uncles, and cousins within walking distance from her home.

At an early age Rosaria, better known as Sara, would go to Coney Island Beach with her family. Her father would swim to the buoy with Sara clinging to his back. When they arrived, she would ring the bell! That experience left an indelible mark and curated her life-long love of swimming.

As a teenager Sara enjoyed the company of five girlfriends from the same block. They would do everything together: listen to music, go to dances, walk to the stores, and see Frank Sinatra at the Paramount Theatre. All five remained friends into their adult years. Sara was the happiest when she was with family and friends.

When she was 17 years old, Sara met her future husband, Anthony J. Baldino. He was the brother of Marian’s best friend. They dated for four years. Anthony, also known as Toye, was drafted into the Navy during World War II. They corresponded by letters and Sara saved all 200 of them. In her twilight years, she re-read every one and was content in the memory of their love.

Sara and Anthony were married for 68 years. They had three children, eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and counting. Sara was a loving wife, mother, daughter and sister as she devoted her life to her family. She had many friends, but her deepest friendship was with her sister, Marian. Lovingly called the Dolly Sisters, they spent nearly all their time together. In retirement, both left Brooklyn and moved to Florida into the same complex with their respective husbands.

Throughout her life Sara enjoyed a variety of activities. She loved playing cards, be it poker, casino or blackjack and she always carried a deck with

her wherever she went. Her passion was sewing; she designed and created many bespoke dresses and gowns that could have had an atelier’s label. Sara shared her knowledge of dressmaking when she became dressmaking instructor. Another passion was playing the piano. She took lessons as a teenager and although she played ballads, it was the Boogie Woogie that would impress anyone who was listening. Bowling was an avenue of enjoyment for Sara and her husband. They bowled in various bowling leagues. In her later years, shuffleboard was that game that afforded her the title of Shuffleboard Champion.

As an impeccable dresser, she would always coordinate her outfits with the perfect accessories. She had a highly-refined fashion sense that was flawless. And don’t forget the lipstick!

Sara embodied joie de vivre (joy of living). She was full of life and did everything with enthusiasm. Whether it was playing the piano, listening to music, watching old movies, celebrating holidays, designing and making clothes, swimming, or bowling, she did it with exuberance. Smiles and laughter were abundant as were hugs and kisses. She often would say that you never run out of them.

Let’s celebrate her life!

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