Obituary of Rene DeRossi

Schenectady - Rene Rodriguez DeRossi, 93, passed away Friday July 29, 2016. Rene was born May 12, 1923 in Mechanicville, NY, the daughter of the late Anthony and Edith (Otero) Redriguez, one of four daughters. Her three sisters, whom predeceased her, were Donna Micare of Loudonville, Mary Sherman of Schenectady and Lola Barker of Sarasota, FL; and two brothers (deceased), Anthony Rodriguez of Schenectady, Joseph Rodriguez of Reno, NV. She leaves behind two nephews, Douglas Sherman of the Phillipines and William Barker of Phoenix, AZ; and one niece, Linda Mielcarski of Burnt Hills, NY; 10 great-nephews; and three great-nieces; and 11 great-nephews and nieces, all of whom knew her as "Aunt Honey". She also felt privileged to have been a member of two extended families. Her marriage to Jack Lubin in 1980 provided her with two step-sons, Richard and William Lubin; two step-granddaughters; one step-grandson; and two great-grandchildren. After his death, she went on to later marry, George DeRossi, and once again was surrounded with seven step-daughters; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Rene loved her country, and was honored to have served in the WAC during WWII, where she received the American Service Medal and a WW II Victory Medal. After the war, she made a career in womens retail. She opened her first dress shop in Schenectady with her sister-in-law in 1949, became co-owner of the Lewi Co. in Downtown Schenectady in the mid 1950's and went on to become head buyer for the first Boston Store in Latham, and then the Imperial Co. in Schenectady. Rene was a participator in life. She was an avid skier and world traveler. Her travels took her to five of the seven continents, through the seven wonders of the World, famous museums, cathedrals and monuments. She always enjoyed playing cards, any game, doing crossword puzzles and keeping up with American politics. She was a joy to be around and was always welcomed where ever she went. All that knew her and loved her, will miss our "Aunt Honey". A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, 9 a.m., Wednesday, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Route 50, Glenville. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Schenectady. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Salvation Army, the VA or the Immaculate Conception in Glenville NY.