Caroline M. Cesareo

Nothing meant more than the love of family to Caroline (Carrie) Cesareo, of Bethpage, who  passed away peacefully June 9, 2022 at the age of 96. Assuming the role of matriarch; her strength,  commitment, love and wisdom over her many long years, stood unwavering in support of all  whom she loved. She was small in stature but large in presence, always there when someone  needed her.  

Carrie Cesareo was born on Nov. 20, 1925 in Clifton, NJ, the daughter of John and Jennie (LaPiano) Capilli, Italian immigrants who worked in the garment industry. Living through the Great  Depression was tough but with her siblings, the Capilli household was always filled with love and  warmth. Carrie is predeceased by her brother Fred, and leaves behind her sister, Jean Campbell,  who remained her lifetime best friend, and her brother Ray.  

Forsaking her outside career goals, Carrie devoted her life to her loving husband, now deceased, Vincent, married and in love for 70 years, and raising her 5 children: Janine Gibson  of Cohoes, NY; Laura (d, 2006) (Vincent) Tavolacci of Farmingdale, NY; Denise (Brian Stacey) of  Redding, CT; Carolyn (Rick) Leserman of Hermosa Beach, CA and Vincent Cesareo of St.  Petersburg, FL.  

Carrie was also a devoted grandmother to 9 grandchildren: Alison Flaherty, John Tavolacci, Jesica  Lundberg, David Gibson, Meredith Roesch, Scott Leserman, Eric Leserman, Ellen Leserman, and  Adriana Stacey, each with a special talent that made her proud. Her most recent joys came with  the birth of each of her 14 great grandchildren: Chloe, John Jr., Samantha, Julie, Joseph, Emma,  Everett, Addison, Parker, Bennett, Maeve, Griffin, Sloane, and Van.  

Family meals were the touchstone of Carrie’s life. For her, cooking was not a daily chore, but a  passion. She loved preparing big holiday feasts, entertaining family and friends, dining out, watching cooking shows and sharing recipes, which she did until her death. Meatballs were her specialty. Everyone claimed they were the very best.  

Carrie is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews and many dear friends in Bethpage and  beyond. She will be missed by so many.  

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 25 at 11:00am at St. Martin of  Tours Church, Central Ave in Bethpage followed by interment at St. Charles Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude. Checks payable to St. Jude  Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org. 

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