Cecelia G. Scirocco

A loving heart; a generous spirit; a kind and gentle soul; a devoted wife, mother and nana; and a loyal friend — these are just a few ways to describe Cecelia Grace Scirocco.

Cecelia, 81, passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, November 17 at Hospice of the Valley - Hospice House.

Born on July 13, 1944, in Austin, Texas, she was the oldest daughter of Gabriel ‘Washy’ Delbene and Philomena ‘Mamie’ (Nuccio) Delbene. Cecelia adored her parents, considered them her heroes, and carried their memory with her every day of her life.

On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1965, she married her best friend, Joe Scirocco. This month marks their 60th wedding anniversary. After a short time living in Hubbard, they built a home, a life, and a family together in Girard. Through every joy and every challenge over six decades, they led with care and concern for one another, and with the shared understanding that Cecelia was always right.

They raised their three children — Joe (Shelby) Scirocco, Kristie (Scott) Slade, and Ron (Chip) Scirocco — in the little yellow house on the corner. Cecelia filled that home with love, respect, and the smell of good food. Some of her happiest moments were spent around the table, sharing meals and conversation with family and friends.

Her greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren: her “angel babies” Joey (Sole) Slade and Nick Slade, and her “beauty girls” Krista Slade, Olivia (Jack) Scirocco, Elena Scirocco, Madelyn Scirocco, Grace Scirocco, and Mia Barber. She never missed a chance to spoil them, celebrate them, or remind them how deeply she loved them.

Cecelia grew up in Hubbard alongside her siblings, Gabriel Delbene and Justine (Jim) Cataline. She was blessed with five nieces and nephews — Matthew Cataline, Jamie Cataline, Cecelia Cataline, Danny Delbene, and Nicky Delbene.

Cecelia treasured her friendships. She had the same best friends since elementary school and met regularly with high school friends for lunch. She formed lifelong bonds with the parents of her children’s friends, including the women of the Softball Mother’s Club. And she cherished the friendships she built with neighbors and co-workers. Being Cecelia’s friend was easy — her warmth and genuine nature made people feel welcomed and loved.

Besides spending time with her family and friends, Cecelia enjoyed shopping trips, visiting her favorite casinos to play the slots, tending to her flower garden, reading the newspaper from front to back, and spending a little extra time playing games on her iPad.

Her strength and tenacity were a defining characteristic especially during her battle overcoming breast cancer.

She was a woman of strong faith and member of St. Rose Church.

God has now called His angel Cecelia back home. We take comfort knowing she is gathered around a heavenly table with Washy, Mamie, Ralph, Sis, Gabe, Norris, Onofrio, Cecelia, Domenico, and Giustina sharing stories, laughter, and bowls of ‘pasta fasul’.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 20th, at St. Rose Church in Girard from 9:30AM to 11:00AM, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00AM. 

The family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of the Valley - Hospice House in Cecelia’s memory.

American Cancer Society: https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialmenu

Hospice House: https://compassuslivingfoundation.org/give/

To view this obituary and send any expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.blackstonefuneralhome.com