Rosetta A. DeCilles

Rosetta A. DeCilles, 95, of Dexter, NY, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at her home under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County. 

She was born on April 19, 1929, in Massena, NY, daughter of Peter and Louise Jock.  She graduated from Bombay High School and pursued further education at the Watertown School of Commerce, where she earned a business degree. While residing in Watertown, she met Anthony DeCilles, and the two were married on October 28, 1950. Though she set aside her business skills initially to raise her family, Rosetta later put them to use in the early 1970s when she and Anthony opened Tony’s Service Center, where she handled all of the business paperwork.

Known affectionately by names like Rose, Rosie, and Rosebud, Rosetta was, above all, Mom to her family. She cherished sewing and crafted many treasured items, including Halloween costumes, for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed canning home-grown produce from the family garden and was an active member of the Altar and Rosary Society at both St. Elizabeth’s Church in Dexter and Immaculate Conception in Brownville, where she contributed to bake sales and ice cream socials.

Rosetta’s kindness, generosity, and laughter left a lasting legacy. Although she didn’t have much, she constantly gave to others, always making those around her smile. Fondly called the “Pepper Queen,” she credited her longevity to her love of black pepper.

Rosetta is survived by her eight children: Anthony DeCilles, Jr. of Watertown, NY; Peter and Deborah DeCilles of Dexter, NY; Mary Myers of Dexter, NY; Thomas and Jean DeCilles of Batesville, IN; David DeCilles of Massena, NY; Brian and Tammy DeCilles of Limerick, NY; Kevin and Grace DeCilles of Clayton, NC; and Kathleen and Andrew Skelly of Lawrenceville, GA. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, her sister Hazel Bero of Hogansburg, NY, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Anthony DeCilles, Sr., and her siblings Arnold, Daniel, Hubert, and Ivan Jock, and Mabel Granger.

Calling hours will be held 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30th   at Johnson Funeral Home.  

A prayer service will begin 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, October 31st at the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church.  Burial will follow in Dexter Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosetta’s memory may be made to Immaculate Conception Church or the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.