Constance Rose Napolitano Rosselli, age 95, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family. Friends may call on Saturday, September 23 at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, Via Mount Carmel, Youngstown, Ohio. Following visitation at the Basilica, a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in her honor at 10 a.m. She leaves a legacy of good works and beautiful creations. She was known for her graciousness, her determination, her style, her sense of humor, and her curiosity about the world. In the words of her husband, Dominic, writing to her in 1942, she was “the sweetest person in the world.” Connie was born to Rose and Stephen Napolitano, May 13, 1922 in Youngstown, Ohio. She was married for 67 years to her beloved husband, Coach Dominic Louis Rosselli, who preceded her in death on October 7, 2008. Connie and Dominic lived their entire lives in Youngstown except for a year spent in California during the Second World War where she acquired a taste for California cuisine. Her life among the orange groves was rich in gardening possibilities and provided the impetus for future gardening experiments in Ohio. In the 60’s during a family road trip, across country to California, she shared, with her children, her delight with California’s year long growing season. She earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Youngstown State University. She started her university work at age forty by first learning to drive in order to transport herself to class. For her entire teaching career, she taught in Youngstown City Schools. She cherished her work with elementary children, especially introducing them to the printed word. Connie was the consummate professional. Instrumental to her pursuit of a career in education was her mentor and friend, Mrs. Irma Beede, spouse of YSU Coach Dike Beede. Besides an interest in education, these women shared an affinity for handwork, nature, and creativity. Throughout her life, Connie served in leadership roles with various professional and civic organizations. She was a proud life member of both the Ohio and the National Education Associations, the Mahoning Valley Retired Teachers, and the Youngstown Business and Professional Women. She particularly enjoyed her collegiate associations provided through membership in the Youngstown Chapter of the Association of American University Women and the Youngstown State University Alumni Association. Connie took great comfort in her faith and in prayer. Her rosary beads could be found in every room of her home. She was dedicated to faith-based service at both St. Anthony of Padua Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica. She served as a lector for many years with both churches and found great purpose as a member of numerous Catholic organizations, including the Legion of Mary, Mothers of the Crucifix, and the Altar and Rosary Society. In the wee hours of Friday mornings she and her husband Dominic would head to St. Anthony’s to make dough for The Briar Hill pizza. She enjoyed serving spaghetti dinners at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, making Easter bread and found great solace in visiting the sick at various nursing homes in the valley. Family and friends marveled at her expertise in gardening and textile handiwork, skills she learned at her mother’s side. Working with plants never failed to excite her scientific curiosity. Her garden fed her family through the summer and her canning skills saw them through the winter. She and her son, Chip, spent many a harvest season putting up hot peppers and making wine. She loved experimenting with plant varieties and cultivation techniques, including rooting plants from cuttings, raising orchids, using the crown of pineapple to start her own plant. She gave gentle attention to the Rosselli family fig tree for over forty years. In her seventies, she enjoyed participating in the Master Gardener Program at Mill Creek Park. Connie was an excellent seamstress and skilled at crocheting and knitting, talents she learned from her husband Dominic. She tailored clothing for her children and grandchildren with fastidious attention to detail, including special event costumes, wedding dresses and First Communion dresses, one of which won a first prize at the Canfield Fair. She continuously demonstrated her gift for combining beauty and usefulness. Connie was devoted to her family, Italian traditions, gatherings of friends and family all bound in her faith. She provided humor, perspective, and vast practical knowledge in matters of the head and heart. Her six siblings preceded her in death: Theresa Fiordelise (Sam), John Napolitano, Millie Lariccia (Joe), Dorothy Casciano (Tony), Grace Orlando (James), and Fred Napolitano (Betty). She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Porcase Napolitano. She leaves her memory to be cherished by her three daughters and her son, Rosanne Volpini of Poland, Ohio, Mary Lou Africa (Jim) of Aurora, Ohio, Stephanie Rosselli (Eugene Grupp) of Poland, and her son, Dominic Louis Rosselli Jr. (Eleanor), also of Poland; ten grandchildren: Connie Wolgemuth (Tony) of Bloomington, Illinois, Arthur Volpini (Tami) and Stephanie Hann (Greg) of Poland, Amy Drew (Charles) of Aurora, James Africa (Cheryl) of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, Alexis Stevenson (Bradley) of Williamsburg, Virginia, Joseph Callahan of Portland, Oregon, Anne Callahan of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Dominic Rosselli III (Natalie) of Columbus, Ohio, and Anthony Rosselli of Dayton, Ohio; ten great-grandchildren, Arthur John, Ellianna, Preston, Savannah, Madeline, Dominic, Greggory, Emerson, MarenEmilia, and Everly and her extended family. Twin granddaughters Alyssa and Christina Rosselli are deceased. The family extends their deep appreciation to the dedicated caregivers who attended to Connie, encouraged her interests, and lifted her spirits in countless ways. We thank Dr. C Wilkins for his insight and gentle care of our mother. The family expresses their profound gratitude to Dr. Thomas Detesco, who shared informative and sweet conversations with our mother and, who, thoughtfully cared for her for many years. Her children are grateful to Connie for the wise lessons she provided to them: have faith, support one another, solve problems, and above all, share joy. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rosselli Scholarship care of the Youngstown State University Foundation. 655 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44502. Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman. Friends and family may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Connie’s family.

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