CARMELA V. CACCIOTTI

LATHAM - Carmela V. (Rossi) Cacciotti, 91 of Latham, beloved wife of the late Vincent E. Cacciotti, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 while at her home in Latham with her loving family at her side.

Born in Cassano, Italy in 1933, she was the daughter of the late Bartolomeo and Immacolata (Ciarolanza) Rossi. Leaving behind two married sisters and their families, Carmela came to this country in 1959 and lived on 3rd Street in South Troy with her parents and brothers. She immediately began working at Standard Manufacturing and, through her best friend, Ella Bove, she met the love of her life, Vincent Cacciotti. Although he was 18 years her senior, age meant nothing in their love for each other.

Carmela's large, loving family was everything to her. She loved being surrounded by all of those who brought her the deepest joy including her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. She never said no to a get-together, party invite, gathering, or opportunity to have people over for a meal. Food was love for her. It was one of the many ways she showed her love for people.

Family traditions were very important to Carmela and she did everything she could to instill that value in all of her children and grandchildren; September sauce making and fig harvesting, food traditions for every holiday, La Befana stockings on January 6th, and teaching all of us her baking and cooking methods. She believed in good food and in staying active. She regularly attended both Vent Fitness and ABC Sports and Fitness where she developed many lasting friendships. She ran circles around people 30 and 40 years her junior in body pump, spinning, yoga, pilates – you name it, and she's done it.

Carmela also was and avid gardener. She enjoyed tending to her vegetables and flowers.

Carmela was a devout Catholic, a good and loyal servant of the Lord. A longtime and active parishoner of St. Ambrose Church in Latham, she had several wonderful friends who she met through the church whom she cherished deeply.

Her energy and kindness was an inspiration to so many people and her outside beauty matched her inner beauty. She will be sorely missed, yet her love and legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

In addition to her late parents and husband, Carmela is predeceased by her two sisters Concettina DiLauri and Edda Luongo.

She is survived by her children Lisa (George) Reese, Paul (Laura) Cacciotti and Vincent Cacciotti, her grandchildren George (Amanda) and Joshua (Jessica) Reese, Breana, Ryan (Courtney), Damian, and Dean Cacciotti. Also survived by her great-grandchildren Cole, Bennett, Joshua, and Caleb Reese as well as brothers Salvatore (Maria) and Joseph (Anna Maria) Rossi, brother- in-law Armando Miani and several cherished nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call Monday, January 27th, 2025 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, 10:30 am at St. Ambrose Church, 347 Old Loudon Road, Latham. Interment beside her beloved husband at St. Mary's Cemetery, Troy to immediately follow the mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to either St. Ambrose Church at www.stambroselatham.com/donate or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/give.html.

For further information or to express condolences online please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.