Sebastiana Liberatore

Sebastiana “Nella Bella” (Cianci) Liberatore, 86, of Rocky Hill, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 4, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Nella was born on January 23, 1939 in Canicattini Bagni, Italy and was the daughter of the late Santo and Concetta (Lombardo) Cianci. Together with her parents, Nella immigrated to the U.S. in 1955 at the age of 15. She was predeceased by Silvio, her loving husband of 58 years. Nella retired from the Town of Rocky Hill Public Schools as a food service technician (“the best lunch lady”). She was well known and loved for serving all staff members and students, especially with her own version of pasta sauce and her warm welcoming smile. Nella was an Officer of the Daughters of Canicattini Bagni Society, where she and Silvio enjoyed attending their social events. She was a member of the Canicattinese Italian Women’s Bowling League, volunteered at the Pratolana Society Annual International Picnic and at the Alzheimer’s Association Annual Memory Walk.

Nella and Silvio loved to travel and meet new people who became “family”. They traveled frequently to Italy and Canada to spend time with family and friends. Nella Bella was the Chief Operating Officer at their home (aka Chez Nella’s). They both enjoyed hosting numerous picnics and pool parties every summer and very competitive volleyball and bocce games. In the winter months, they hosted “Polenta nights.” Their home was always full of warmth, laughter, singing, dancing and amazing food. Nella made everyone feel cared for. She enjoyed cooking and baking for everyone, working in the vegetable garden and taking care of her flowers and roses. Nella and Silvio’s home was always open to out-of-town family and friends. The flag of the visiting country, whether it was the Italian flag or Canadian flag, was always hoisted along with the U.S. flag.

Most of all, Nella’s pride and joy was her family. She was always seen at her grandchildren’s events and was called the Team Cheerleader and Sideline Coach. She was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Nella will be forever missed by her three children, Frank Liberatore of Rocky Hill, Nancy Leonard and husband James of Wethersfield and Tina DiBacco and husband Roberto of Rocky Hill; her two adored grandchildren, Alexandra Majewski and husband Adrian and Roberto DiBacco, Jr. and her great-granddaughter, Julia Majewski. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews in Italy and Canada. Nella was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Salvatore and Vittoria Cianci; sister and brother-in-law, Maria and Paul Amenta and her nephew, Joseph Amenta and his wife Elizabeth.

A special thank you to all of Nella’s wonderful caregivers whom we considered family.

Funeral services will begin on Tuesday, May 13 at 8:45 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. James Church of St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Burial will be in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nella’s memory may be made to St. Augustine Church, Attn: Father Walsh, 10 Campfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114.