Cecelia Iantorno

Mrs. Cecelia Matilda Iantorno (née) Tirella of Frederick, MD, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at the age of 88.

Cecelia, born in 1927 in New Rochelle, NY, was the eldest child of parents John and Anna Tirella. She grew up, with her three siblings, in Harrison, NY, attending Harrison High School. In 1948 she obtained her B.S. in elementary education from New York University.

Upon graduating, Cecelia accepted a teaching position at the progressive Burgundy Farm Country Day School in Alexandria, VA; she enjoyed recounting to family and friends her memorable experiences there, including the fact she once taught the sons of renowned war correspondent Eric Sevareid.

Cecelia subsequently returned to Westchester County, NY, to teach at Roosevelt School and Olivia Street School in the town of Port Chester. Her dedication and boundless energy left an indelible impression on her students, many of whom remained in close touch with her to the present day.

In 1951, at a cousin's engagement party, Cecelia was reintroduced to James Iantorno who, remarkably, lived in the house next door at the time of her birth. James has poignant memories of those early childhood days.  They were married in 1955, and after residing briefly in Harrison, moved to Mamaroneck, NY, where they raised their four children. This Memorial Day weekend, James and Cecelia celebrated their 60th anniversary with family and friends.

Cecelia will be remembered by all who knew her for her joie de vivre, inexhaustible energy, warmth, and generosity. Known for her impressive culinary repertoire, people often asked her where the best restaurants could be found, and she inevitably replied "Ristorante Cecelia!"

Although formally trained as an elementary school teacher, Cecelia worked in a colorful variety of fields, including interpreter and guide at historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton, NY, and a Quantity Surveyor and flag person for construction companies in Westchester County, NY. In addition, for almost ten years, she continued to teach as a substitute in the Mamaroneck School system.

Always on a quest to contribute to the greater good, Cecelia was involved in many endeavors and organizations, including the Red Cross Gray Ladies, the Girl Scouts, and the Campfire Girls.  As a parishioner at St. Vito's Church in Mamaroneck, Cecelia's many contributions included her role as president of the St. Ann's Women's Guild, Parish Council member, choir member, annual Bazaar worker, chairperson of the annual Boutique, and member of the Committee to raise funds for the 1981 Calitri, Italy earthquake victims. In addition, Cecelia was involved with the Performing Arts League and the Agave Quilters Guild in Chandler, AZ, where she and James resided during their retirement.

Recently relocated to Frederick, MD, in order to be closer to family, Cecelia once again enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to explore new creative outlets and to spread her infectious exuberance to young and old alike.

Cecelia is survived by her husband, James Iantorno; her sons, James Iantorno (Debbie) and Frank Iantorno (Marleni); her daughters, Susan Gal (Yechiam) and Stephanie Graham (Mark); three grandchildren, Itamar Gal, Adalei Gal Broers, and Nicole Iantorno; her sister, Lynda Scott; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents John and Anna Tirella; her brother, John Tirella; and her sister, Stephena Scalfari.

The family attended a private service at Stauffer Funeral Home in Frederick, MD; they plan a memorial ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request donations be made to American Red Cross; Galveston Elementary School, 661 E Galveston Street, Chandler, AZ 85225; or The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.