RoseMarie Cilia of Hartford, CT, loving wife of the late Charles DeLeo, died at home on June 8, 2022. "The Rose," as her husband always called her, was born on August 31, 1943, in Hartford to the late John and Anna (D'Amato) Cilia. She was a proud graduate of Bulkeley High School, class of 1961, and was a valued member of the reunion committee. She earned her bachelor and master's degrees at Central Connecticut State University. A middle-school English teacher at both public and private schools in Wethersfield and New York City, RoseMarie had a long career at Naylor School in Hartford. She was treasured and respected by several generations of students, many of whom have gone on to serve locally as highly valued professionals, who remember her as caring and encouraging to all. For many years, RoseMarie was active in the Sandwich Ministry of St. Patrick/St. Anthony Church.

Pre-deceased by her brother Angelo and cousins John and Anthony Anderson, RoseMarie leaves behind stepsons David, Donald, Daniel and Denis DeLeo, daughters-in-law Meg and Suzy DeLeo, and stepgrandsons Charlie, Sammy and Nicholas DeLeo, of whom she was so proud. She also leaves the many members of the Anderson and McDonald families, who have always been considered part of her immediate family. RoseMarie will be especially missed by her very close and long-time friends, Liz Gemmiti, Ann Brauer Gigounas, and Peggy Jean Lavery and their families. RoseMarie made the children of her own family and those of her friends feel like special people, and they returned her many thoughtful gestures (including the most delicious baked goods ever) by making their "Ro-Ro" one of the most favorite grown-ups in their universe. Her kindness also extended to the many neighbors and service people in the South End, who are saddened by her passing.

Visitation will be on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield, CT from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. with a Words of Remembrance gathering at 10:30 a.m.. Burial will follow at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, 1 Cottage Grove Rd., Bloomfield, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the Hartford Public Library, one of RoseMarie's favorite places, 500 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103 or to St. Patrick/St. Anthony Church Sandwich Ministry, 285 Church Street, Hartford, CT 06103. To share a memory with the family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com