Elvera "Chickie" Roefaro

Mrs. Elvera "Chickie" (Centolella) Roefaro, age 93, of Utica, passed away on Thursday January 8, 2015 at the Masonic Care Community, with her beloved family at her side.

She was born in Utica on December 27, 1921, a daughter of the late Peter and Julia Palmisano Centolella, and was educated in local schools, having graduated from TR Proctor High School.

In 1944, she was united in marriage to Mario Roefaro in St. Anthony of PaduaChurch, a loving and blessed union of 39 years until his passing on January 22, 1983.

Elvera was a Clerk at the Oneida County Board of Elections for many years until her retirement. She was a longtime and dedicated member of the Democratic Woman's Club of Utica and of the Democrat organization.

She was a devoted parishioner of St. Anthony of PaduaChurch.

Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Vincent C. Grieco of Lee Center, NY; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Martin F. Roefaro of Utica, and "Former Mayor" David R. and Cynthia Roefaro of Utica; her cherished grandchildren, Christopher C. and Lori Grieco, Mario and Christina Roefaro, Franca Roefaro, and Martin Roefaro Jr.; one beloved great-grandson Gabriel Ryan Roefaro; one sister, Gloria DiMare of CA; her in-laws, Renato and Carol Roefaro, Geno and Mary Roefaro, Anna Diodato, and Frank and Jean Roefaro, all of Utica; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her daughter, Judith Ann Roefaro in 1971; her grandson, Michael J. Grieco in 1991; two sisters, Ella and husband Frank Romano and Rose and husband Samuel A. Gigliotti, one brother, Raymond Centolella and wife Maggie and two brothers-in-law Vincent (Jim) DiMare and Victor Diodato and her dear friends, "The Golden Girls" Louise Faga, Rose Battifarano and Shirley Borruso.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. in St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church, Utica. Private interment will be in CalvaryCemetery.

In her memory, please consider an act of kindness for someone in need or donations may be made to the Michael J. Grieco Scholarship Fund, c/o Rome City Schools District 409 Bell Rd. Rome, NY 13440

A special Thank You is extended to the staff of the Masonic Care Community, Saranac Unit for their constant love and care given to "Chickie".

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. or until all guests are received at The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home, Inc. 1122 Culver Ave. Utica.

Service

Monday, January 12 2015