WATERVLIET – Raffaela Centofanti, 91, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 15, 2017 surrounded by her family. She was born in Sulmona, Provincia di Aquila, in the Abruzzo region of Italy. She came to Watervliet in 1956. Raffaela was the devoted wife of the late Salvatore Centofanti. She was the loving and adored mother to her late son, John “the light of her life”.
She was predeceased by her loving parents, Camillo and Lucia Centofanti; brother in law, Carmine Petrilli; aunts and uncle, Anna Santilli, Clementina and Cosimo Centofanti; and cousins Anna Evangelista and Mario Centofanti all of Italy. She was also predeceased by her aunt, Marietta Di Bella, uncle, Venanzio Centofanti, cousins, Mary Mattei and Anna Centofanti all of Indiana. Dear friend of the late Marietta Di Domenicantonio, Maria Sericolo, Josephine Positano and Anna Vartigan Pascazio all of Watervliet.
Raffaela is survived by her loving daughter and son in law, Clara and Michael Abate and her treasured grandson, Davide Abate all of Watervliet; her cherished daughter in law, Joy Fleming (Jeff) of Virginia. Joy, thank you for everything and for always being there for mom and us.
Raffaela is also survived by her adored and most loving family in Italy. Her sister, Assunta Centofanti Petrilli; nieces Giulia (late Roberto), Maria (Bruno), Silvana and Anna; great nieces and nephew, Alessandra, Manuela, Anna Lucia, Camilla, Barbara, Marco and several cousins. Also her cousins, Frank and Livia Centofanti and family and the Mattei family all of Indiana. Longtime friend, Connie (late Sam) Abate.
The family wishes to thank longtime friends and neighbors, Lorraine Alund and the Timberlin family for everything you did for our mother and watching out for her. We appreciate it.
Thank you so much to each and every one at Riverside Center in Castleton. Especially the nurses and aides for the wonderful care and love you gave our mom. A special thank you to Tammy Noel for always being there for us. Thank you Sisters Valerie, Dolores and Clare for all your prayers. All of you were like family. Thank you Community Hospice.
Services will be private.
Donations may be made to help the homeless animals at Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204.
Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raffaela Centofanti, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.