Obituary of Carmella Tagliaferri

Carmella (Dolly) Tagliaferri, age 99, of Rome NY, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2023, with her loving family at her side.

She was born December 9, 1923, in Rome, NY.  Carmella was one of eleven children of the late Gabriel and Marie Manuele Tamburino, and educated in the Rome schools.  Carmella was united in marriage to Dominick A. Tagliaferri on June 26, 1943, in the Church of St. John the Baptist, Rome, NY.  Dominick passed December 29, 2012.  Carmella was a member of the Church of St. John the Baptist from her birth to her passing.

During World War II in her late teens Dolly and her best friend throughout her life, Millie Civiok, worked as waitresses at the Ottaway’s Diner, 306 West Dominick Street in Rome, NY.  You could have a piece of the Diner’s special of the day: Graham Cracker Cream Pie for ten cents.

While raising her children she attended night school to become a self-employed hairdresser.  She became an active member of the New York State Hairdresser's Association.  Her beauty shop located in the basement of her home which became a hub of laughter and long-time friendships.

After their retirement Carmella and Dominick relocated to Miami, FL to be close to their oldest daughter and her family.  They enjoyed trips to Italy, Jerusalem, and several cruises.  After years of fun in the sun they returned to Rome, NY to reunite with their families and live out the rest of their lives.

Carmella is survived by her children, Mary Ann and Hal Jones of Miami, FL; Donella and Les Murphy of Rome, NY; Camille and Jerry Freedner of Valatie, NY; Thomas Tagliaferri of Rome, NY; Daniel Tagliaferri and Jennifer Yu of Alameda, CA; and Michael and Kathy Tagliaferri of Mechanicsville, PA; a loving sister, Hilda Vaccaro of Rome, NY and 16 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by 6 brothers, 4 sisters and a loving son-in-law, Walter Stemkoski.

The family would like to thank all the compassionate caretakers and staff at Bethany Gardens and the Terrace at Woodland. Their kindness will be long remembered.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 13, at 11 am at the Church of St. John the Baptist.  Burial will be in St John's Cemetery.

Relatives and Friends may call at the church from 10 to 11 am prior to the funeral.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.

In lieu of flowers donations in Carmella's name may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, stjude.org or to the Bill Gavin Food Pantry at St. Joseph's Church in Lee Center.