Susan C. Barbato Rao

Susan Carmela (Barbato) Rao passed away peacefully at Crouse Community Center in Morrisville, New York on Thursday, August 23, surrounded by her family. Susan was 94 and had recently enjoyed many family celebrations in honor of her birthday. Sue lived for many years on White Haven Road in Canastota and spent winters with her husband and her family in Englewood, Florida. Sue was born in Syracuse, NY on August 15, 1918. She was the daughter of Angelo Barbato and Anna (Liquori) Barbato. She is predeceased by her husband George S. Rao Sr., her parents, and her two siblings: Elmer Barbato and Pearl (Barbato) Kolbe. Sue graduated from Eastwood High School. It was there that she met her husband, George. They married in 1937. During high school, Susan worked at Syracuse China and was known for her superior design skills. In school, Susan received awards for her penmanship and shorthand. She loved creative writing. In Susan’s later years, she wrote short stories, some of which were published. She received the Rebecca Eddy Memorial Writing Contest Short Story Award. After Susan’s marriage to George, the couple founded, owned, and operated George Rao Florist and Greenhouses on Court Street Road in East Syracuse. Together, they grew flowers and designed arrangements for thirty-five years before their retirement to Dewitt, Canastota and Florida. An avid and talented designer, Susan traveled to New York City to participate in floral schools and lead classes. She particularly enjoyed the float competitions. Flowers were one of Susan’s many passions. Her entrepreneurship, her business acumen, her partnership with George, and her talent were admired by many. Susan was a communicant of St. Matthew’s Church in East Syracuse. Susan loved nature: birds, going to camp, and fishing. She was a member of the Taft Settlement Grange #473 for many years and was a past member of the St. Regis Sportsmen’s Club, McCavanaugh Pond Club, the Oneida Lake Association, the Minoa Golden Age Club, and Senior Friends of Englewood, FL, and the American Italian Heritage Associatio. In her retirement years, Susan surrounded herself with the things she loved: flowers, butterflies, and family. Susan loved language and to tell stories of long ago, as well as to recite her favorite poems and stories in French and Italian. Sue traveled to Italy twice and enjoyed visiting the beautiful countryside and cities; but, above all, she loved spending time with “the Italian cousins”: Elisa and Giuseppe Rao of Turin, Italy. Susan’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will forever delight in the memories of her stories. Susan was predeceased by her husband George S. Rao Sr. who died in 1991.

She is survived by her son, George S. Rao Jr. (Karen) of Chittenango; daughters, Mary Ann Rao Lansing (John) of Erieville, Suzanne Rao Hughes (Daniel) of Paso Robles, CA, and Joanne Rao Sanchez (Mario) of Austin, TX. Ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild survive her. Susan also adored her many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Calling hours will be at the Farone and Son Funeral Home at 1500 Park Street, Syracuse, New York on Sunday, August 26 from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. Funeral services will be conducted Monday 10 A.M. at FARONE & SON FUNERAL HOME and 11 A.M. at St. Matthew’s Church, 229 W. Yates Street, East Syracuse, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. The Reverend Father Joseph Clemente will preside. Immediately following the Mass, a graveside service will held at the John Rao Family mausoleum in Assumption Cemetery on Court Street.

It was Susan’s wish that contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or St. Matthew’s Church. Susan’s family thanks the loving caregivers at Crouse Community Center in Morrisville as well as the staff at Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford, New York.

Her children knew that Susan was truly cared for every day of her life. The family also expresses sincere gratitude to Susan’s guardian, Alfred Barbagallo, a longtime friend and Susan’s godchild. Condolences may be offered at www.faroneandson.com.