Constance M. "Connie" (Sgroi) DeRose

Age 86, on Monday, April 22, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Ernest DeRose. Loving mother of Tina (Frank) Reczek and Anita (Sean) Myers. Daughter of the late Nick and Fannie Sgroi. Grandmother of Erika Kukuruda (Len Ulish), Michael Allen (Ali Crawford), Nicholas Myers (Jenna Ablak), Alexander Myers, and Ryan Reczek (Jason Riley). Great Grandmother of Logan Kukuruda and Paxton Ulish. Loving sister and preceded in death by Donna (Carl) Finney and Patricia Sgroi. Also Sister-in-law of and preceded in death by Al DeRose, Marie (Anthony) Vitale, Carl (Claire) DeRose, John (Joan) DeRose. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends.

Connie was a graduate of Clairton High School and an employee for the Clairton School District and Cox Department Store before marrying the love of her life, Ernie in 1963. As a resident in Brentwood, she raised her family, volunteered for many community organizations, developed long lasting friendships, then retired to the neighborhood of Westwood and later relocated to Cloverleaf Estates where she established treasured relationships with neighbors.

Connie was the heart and soul of our family, who was most happy when surrounded by the people she loved. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings and was a marvelous cook and baker. She took pride in carrying on family traditions and documented family recipes to pass on. Best known were her traditional Christmas Eve Dinners and Fourth of July celebrations. Connie also was an excellent seamstress, enjoyed crocheting and playing piano. She made her own wedding dress and always made her girls matching outfits as they were growing up.

Connie loved to dance. She was a dance instructor for Arthur Murray Studios and won a Latin dance competition in Miami in the late 1950’s. She met Ernie at Geneva on the Lake, when he asked her to dance with him. From then on, they were dance partners for life. Anyone that knew them, will agree that they were something to watch on the dance floor. Any reason to dance was a good one. They were always the first ones on and last ones off the dance floor, smiling and having fun together the entire time.

Those who knew Connie well, knew she had an amazing memory. She was the family’s reliable source for dates and events up until her recent illness. Recently, she began documenting her life’s story with events noted as early as her childhood. She wanted to be able to leave her legacy to her grandchildren in a written book. More recently, she discovered reading and had consumed 60 books within the last five years as this was her new hobby after the loss of Ernie.

She along with her devoted husband Ernie provided a happy and loving home for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. While growing up, we thought our lives were just like everyone else, but as we grew older, we realized how truly special our childhood was because of them. How were we so blessed to be part a of this family? We cannot answer that question, but are grateful every day and have such fond memories of love, laughter, and dancing. Connie led by example and was selfless when it came to her family.

Connie's family would like to thank her “Cloverleaf Family” for their special friendships and caring support, in addition to Gallagher Hospice, Bridgeville Rehabilitation and Care Center, Presbyterian Senior Care Southmont, for the excellent care given to Connie.

Friends received 5-8 p.m on Thursday and 10-11:30 a.m. on Friday at BRUSCO-NAPIER FUNERAL SERVICE, LTD., 2201 Bensonia Ave., Pgh, PA 15216. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated following visitation on Friday at 12 p.m. in St. Raphael the Archangel Parish—St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 330 Third Ave., Carnegie, PA 15106. Burial to follow in Jefferson Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association: Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, 1100 Liberty Ave., Suite E 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, www.alz.org/pa

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