Rosemary M. Taranto

Rosemary Taranto passed peacefully, surrounded by her family on November 6, 2025. She was born on May 22, 1931, to Thomas and Nicoletta Marcelle, in Albany. She attended Vincentian Institute and then attended St. Rose where she received both a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degree. After graduating from St. Rose, she began her teaching career at the Jericho school in South Bethlehem, choosing to remain in her hometown and be a mentor to those in her community, rather than accept offers from more distant schools.

As a teacher, Rosemary found her passion. From the very first day she stepped into the classroom, she created a sanctuary of curiosity, where every question mattered and every student felt seen. Whether it was English Literature, Spanish, or later on first grade, she taught with patience, humor, and wisdom, sparking a lifelong love of learning in those fortunate enough to know her. Equally important, Rosemary was compassionate and cared for her students who faced difficult life challenges. She “hired” students to help her after school when they did not have money for the prom and brought in coats that she or her family “outgrew” for those who just might need one. The impact of her actions was great; so many of her students remained in touch to say hello, share achievements, and thank her for being “the one” they would always remember.

In 1961, she married Robert (Bob) Taranto and stepped away from teaching to raise a family with him. Together they created a wonderful home for their children. Her greatest love was her husband, children and extended family. Her children will cherish memories of laughter, warmth, memorable holidays, good cooking, and Christmas mornings that were over the top.

What made Rosemary so special was her unending dedication to her children, two of whom had demanding and challenging special needs. Rosemary, a mother bear, spent hours advocating for her developmentally and intellectually disabled daughters and others at a time when there were no resources available.

Upon retirement, Rosemary and Bob settled in Slingerlands, finally building their dreamhouse, and during that time Rosemary relished the time spent with her beloved grandchildren, each of whom was her favorite. Whenever the grandchildren stopped in, their Mema was always ready to leap to work, making fried dough, apple pies, or something for the children to enjoy and if that was not enough there were always Polar Bars in the freezer.

Rosemary will be remembered for her great capacity to love and for her compassion. She was full of energy and never stopped when those she loved needed her support. She was a good sport, able to laugh at herself and make light of the tough times. She showed what it means to be strong in the face of difficult situations by carrying family burdens without complaint. She gave her family and others the best of everything she had to offer. She was dearly loved.

Rosemary was predeceased by her devoted husband Robert (Bob) C. Taranto, her parents, Thomas and Nicoletta (Mele); her sister Angelina Fori, her brother Alphonso Marcelle, and her niece Felcia Fori. Also left to cherish her memory are her sister-in law, Ann Whalen Marcelle, her daughters, Jenean (Kenneth Watson) of Slingerlands; Maryjo, Nicolean, both of the Pinewood Residence, Guilderland; her son Robert (Margaret Hannah) of Slingerlands; and her grandchildren, Matthew Watson (Mollie Bienstock) of Sharon, MA; Anna Watson of Brighton, MA; Nicholas Watson; Robert Taranto, Hannah Stegall (Austin), and Christopher Taranto all of Slingerlands. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Thomas Fori (Judee Brennan) of Coxsackie; Therese Smith of Upland CA; Anthony Tumasone of Valencia, CA; Ruthann Gozemba (Paul) of Wilton; Tom Marcelle (Elena Noto) of Slingerlands, Lawrence Marcelle (Diane Strait) of Wilton; and Edward Marcelle (Diane Livsey) of Mineral, VA. She is also survived by many grand-nieces and nephews, with her first great grandchild on the way.

The family would like to express its gratitude to the kind and compassionate members of Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center team who provided excellent care to Rosemary, treating her with dignity and respect. The family is also grateful to Dr. Michael Burke for all his care and kindness.

Friends and relatives are invited to join the family for calling hours on Thursday, November 13 from 4-7 p.m. at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue in Delmar. A funeral mass of celebration will be held on November 14 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Place, Delmar with burial to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Ravena.

For those who wish to do so, donations may be made in Rosemary’s memory to: Lexington Foundation ARC, 2736 NY30, Gloversville, New York 12078.