Cecelia M. Imparato Rinaldi, 95, of Catskill

Cecelia Rinaldi of Catskill died peacefully on April 10, 2017 at The Pines Nursing Facility, just ten days after a joyful celebration of her 95th birthday.

Cecelia was born April 1, 1922, in Flushing, N.Y., the seventh of eight children born to the late Charles and Romilda (Della Bovi) Imparato. She grew up in Saugerties, N.Y. She married the love of her life, Anthony J. Rinaldi, on June 23, 1946, upon his return from service in the Army during World War II. They enjoyed a beautiful 65-year marriage until his death in 2011.

Ceil’s most important role was as a wife, mother and homemaker, but she did serve for a time as an aide to a special education class through BOCES. She was devoted to her students and provided support for the classroom teacher, Liz Villanti, who has remained a special friend. Ceil was a charter member of her knitting club and an active member of the Catskill Garden Club for many years. She was known for her cooking and baking, always sharing treats and recipes with friends. Whether it be Pizzelle or Struffoli at Christmas, the famous Imparato Easter Bread (served buttered with hard boiled eggs and salami), or experimenting with new recipes, she felt most at home in her kitchen.

Ceil’s family was her pride and joy. She is survived by her loving children, William (Janice) Rinaldi, Barbara (Michael) Leonard, Carol (Rick) Gleichsner; her seven grandchildren, Brian Rinaldi (fiancée Amanda Scarcella), Megan (Tyler) Zahn, Jon (Julia), Patrick, Benjamin, Daniel and Christopher Leonard; and great-grandson, Jack Leonard. Also surviving are her devoted sisters, Helen (Joe) Sullivan and Lucille Doyle; her sisterin-law, Ruby Rinaldi; and her many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Tony, Ceil was predeceased by brothers, Joseph, Edward, Victo, and sisters, Phyllis Conway and Anna Hanofee.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation to Shirley Weingard for her loving care of Ceil during her final months of life.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights in Catskill, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday April 17, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Church of Saint Patrick, 24 North Washington St. (Route 385), in Athens, on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at 11 a.m.

For those desiring, donations in Ceil’s memory may be made to The Church of Saint Patrick (Catskill), 66 William St. Catskill, N.Y., 12414, or to Greene County Women’s League Cancer Patient Aid, P.O. Box 341, Round Top, N.Y. 12473.