Obituary of Louise J. DiCerbo

Louise Chiarilli DiCerbo of Olean passed away on July 2, 2014 at her home in Buffalo. Born on May 4, 1921 in Bradford, PA to Luigi and Lucy Chiarilli of Ortucchio in the Abruzzo region of Italy, she was the youngest of 11 children. She graduated from Bradford High School in 1940 and was married to Leo "The Store" Nicolas DiCerbo of Olean in 1944. The DiCerbo family was a presence on Spruce Street for one hundred years. Leo's garden and Louise's cooking nurtured family and neighbors in the North End through 46 years of marriage until Leo passed away in 1990. After graduating from high school, Louise worked in Buffalo Supporting the war effort. Later she worked in retail and food service. She was a devoted parishioner of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, where she served faithfully on the Bereavement Committee, the Altar and Rosary Society, and as a fourth grade religious education instructor. Additionally she volunteered at the Warming House and the annual Italian Festival. In retirement, she was a dedicated volunteer at Olean General Hospital. Louise was beloved by her family and friends for her unfailing sense of humor, her colorful language, and her delicious Italian cooking. She was a never-ending source of inspirational sayings and words of support which she included in her many letters to family and friends. Among her prized possessions were the letters she received from U.S. Presidents in response to her words of encouragement and offering of prayers. She valued her family above all else, showering them with unconditional love, guidance, and advice. She is survived by her sister Loretta DeSantis of Bradford, PA; her son Gerald (Julie) of Annandale, VA; 3 daughters Carol (Donald) Strum of Roanoke, VA, Ann "Chee Chee" (Kenneth) Swanson of Boise, ID, and Cynthia (David) Silverstein of Buffalo; 10 Grandchildren Adrienne (Eric Beckley), Gregory (Jamie Way), Joseph, Natalie (Todd Lasher), Maria, Nicole (Philip Carcione), David (Kira Furman), Sarah, Michael (Jessica Phillips), and Gina; and 1 Great Granddaughter Carmela Rose. Friends will be received from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM on Monday, July 7, 2014 at St. John's Roman Catholic Church, Olean, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. MSGR William O. Wangler will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the St. John's Church #931 North Union Street, Olean, New York 14760. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State Street Olean. Online condolences may be made by clicking on the button above.