Rosa Ria C. DiMaria

Rosa Ria C. DiMaria passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2020. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 17, 1922 to Phyllis Mauro and SalvatoreCharles Dimino. She was pre-deceased by her sister Catherine Ann Coviello and her husband Frank J. DiMaria, whom she was deeply in love with throughout their 67 years together. As New City residents since 1960, they supported the community and Town of Clarkstown’slocal veterans.

Rosa led a life dedicated to her family and her students. As a graduate of Fordham University, she began her career in secondary education in Brooklyn, butquickly found her calling as an elementary school teacher in New City, NY. During her tenure, she was not only recognized with local accolades, but distinguished nationally for educational leadership and ingenuity. She retired from the Clarkstown Central SchoolDistrict at the age of 70, after 50 years of shaping young people’s hearts and minds.

Even after retirement, she continued to teach, helping seniors in the Clarkstown Recreation Program learn how to use a computer. Instructing her family in everything from important life lessons; writing in cursive, sewing a hem, tennis and even sharing first ski lessons.

Rosa was a devoted Catholic, a parishioner of the church of Saint Augustine’s. As the heart of her family, she kept Italian traditions alive through cooking, holidays and sharing stories. She loved hosting big family gatherings, spending time with her dog Brandy and all her dogs over the years, introducing her family to the unconditional love of animals. She always enjoyed the beautiful NJ Shore sunsets. She was an avid reader of American history and enjoyed oil painting.

Rosa is survived by her three devoted children: Adria C. DiMaria, Francis C. DiMaria and Mary V. DiMaria; her seven adoring grandchildren: Marlena, Meredith,Francis, Alyssa, Anthony, Michael and Mackenzie; and her caring niece and nephews Theresa, Charles, (pre-deceased by Bob and Andrew) and their children.

Because of COVID social distancing requirements, funeral arrangements at Michael J Higgins Funeral Services can only be attended by immediate family members. THERE Will BE A MASS at St Augustine’s in New City at 11:30am on Saturday and blessings at St Anthony's mausoleums building to follow.All are welcome to come to the mass to pay their last respects. The cemetery will be limited to family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rosa DiMaria’s name

to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA):

https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial

ASPCA Tributes, 520 8th Ave 7th Floor, New York NY 10018

or to an Educational Charity of your choice

or to St. Augustine’s Parish, New City, NY