OBITUARY Rosemary McNamara Boccaccio April 7, 1942 – January 2, 2019 Rosemary (McNamara) Boccaccio, 76, of Rocky Hill, the devoted wife of 54 years to John Boccaccio, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late John T. and Emma (Briere) McNamara. Rosemary was born and raised in New Britain, eventually moving to Newington where she and John raised their family, residing there 45 years before moving to Rocky Hill.
Rosemary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. In addition to her husband, she leaves her three devoted daughters and sons-in-law: Alicia and Lou Castanho of Rocky Hill, Jean Boccaccio, and Colleen and Wayne Corriveau of Newington. She also leaves her eight grandchildren: Christian, Daniella and Luke Castanho; Domingo “DJ”, Mariano and Selena Rose Malave, along with their father Domingo Malave Jr.; Aidan and Juliette Emma Corriveau.
In addition she leaves her sisters: Eleanor Martin of Newington and Maureen (Joseph) Tardif of Waterford; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; Rose Cassarino, Frances (Francis) Tebecio, Pauline Brancati, Richard Boccaccio, Joseph Boccaccio and Rev. Michael A. Boccaccio along with many loving family members of the extended Boccaccio Family. Rosemary was predeceased by her sister Barbara Brady and her husband Earl, brother-in-law Victor Martin, as well as her twin nephews, James and John Brady.
Her favorite time of year would be Christmas as she looked so forward to the McNamara parties! Rosemary took pride in her career as a unit secretary at New Britain General Hospital. Many knew her as “Rose” but her close friends knew her as Foxy (a childhood nickname that carried throughout her life).
Over the years she made many friendships that she cherished. Rosemary’s family was her world, nothing made her happier. A loving and devoted mother, she would always talk to her girls at least once a day just to chat.
Summers were spent in Old Lyme at her beloved beach house. One of her favorite things to do at the beach was walking hand-in-hand with her grandchildren in search of sea glass, a patient skill and tradition she taught them. No weekend at the beach would be complete without “Grandma’s” pancakes; Something her grandchildren always looked forward to.
Her daughters were grateful for the “dollar” game Rosemary invented, awarding the grandchild that slept the latest one dollar. It didn’t matter the amount of money, they all wanted to win, allowing their parents to sleep in just a little longer. The car rides just won’t be the same without the “mystery ride”.
Born with a Gaelic heritage, Rosemary quickly learned the art of Garlic, keeping up with a passionate Sicilian family and learned to bake Italian desserts. Her anise drop cookies and pizzelles were not only delicious but 100% traditional. The family would like to thank her caregivers especially her evening angel – Nicky for her loving and gentle care.
She was a loyal friend, caregiver, protector, and 4th daughter. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 8th at Annunciation Parish (Church of the Holy Spirit), 183 Church St, Newington. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, January 7th from 4-7 at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd, Wethersfield. Memorial donations can be made in her memory to Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.
desopofuneralchapel.com.
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