Rosina Reale

It is with heavy hearts and saddened spirits that we announce the passing of Rosina Reale, on June 24, 2012 in her home surrounded by devoted family and dear friends. She was born on February 6, 1931 to Angelina (Maiorano) and Emanuele Riccardi in Solopaca, Provincia di Benevento, Italia. At the age of 18 she married Armando Reale and immigrated to Harlem, New York. Together they established and ran a number of businesses in Hartford including Capri and later Clay Hill Cleaners and Tailoring. Moving to Wethersfield in 1958 next door to her sister and family, Filomena and Ernesto Orfitelli, they created a village to raise their growing families. A skilled seamstress, her home was cluttered with remnants of the prom dresses, formal wear, bridal parties she custom tailored. She dressed customers and family with the same attention to detail and conversation over coffee. Entering Rose's doors was entering the comfort of her arms, always open, always welcoming, always warm. For over 50 years Nonnie Rose found comfort and solace in her cottage at Old Colony Beach with her 'beach family'. In addition to her expansive family she leaves many that she ""adopted"" who enjoyed the privilege of visiting in her yard, garden, at the beach, playing cards, sharing an exquisite meal or, at least, coffee and cookies. Her daughter, Francesca Reale predeceased her in 2011. Her traditions will live on with her daughters Angeline Reale of Old Lyme and Phillie Reale-Risley and Rick of Wethersfield, grandson Jason and great-grandson Chase Courtemanche of Chicago, IL. She was the treasured sister of Maria and Filippo Iannucci of Old Lyme and more than in-laws of Gail and Marie Risley of Wethersfield, nieces, nephews and cousins in the U.S. and Italy. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at CB2 for the respect and commitment they bring with them every day.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 56 Hartford Avenue, Wethersfield. The burial will follow in Village Cemetery, Wethersfield. There are no calling hours. In lieu of gifts, Angie, Phillie, Rick and Jason request that you send flowers to a loved one today, in memory of Nonnie Rose. Funeral arrangements by the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.