Rosaria Butta

Rosaria Butta, age 96, passed away on Tuesday, May 16th, 2023. A lifelong New Yorker, Rosaria was born to Rosalia and Girolomo Pecoraro and lived on the Lower East Side of Manhattan along with her beloved brother, Joseph Pecoraro. In her late teens, she worked for milliner Lilly Dache. Rosaria was later employed by the Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City while earning her associate's degree at New York University in the evenings.

In October 1959, she married the love of her life, Carmelo Butta, a pastry chef, and shortly thereafter moved to Sunnyside, Staten Island, where they resided for over 50 years. After raising four children, she also worked for over thirty years as head chef at St. Teresa Rectory, continuing her dedication to being joyful and loving.

Rosaria is survived by her children Jeanine (Scott) Tepper, Mark (Cecelia) Butta, Gregory (Karen) Butta, Leanne (Doug) Christmann, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Rosaria was a sweet and kind soul, always willing to give to others and be humble in the process. She was talented and artistic through her impeccable drawing and cooking skills. Rosaria will always be fondly remembered for her devotion to her faith, family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the mission work of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. (https://www.franciscanfriars.com/donate) You can indicate a direct donation to the Honduran Medical Center and Orphanage in “special instructions” or a general donation.

A visitation for Rosaria will be held Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. A mass of christian burial will occur Friday, May 19, 2023 from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM at St. Teresa RC Church, 1634 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314. A committal service will occur Friday, May 19, 2023 from 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Road, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harmonfuneralhome.net for the Butta family.