Pasquelina (Lena) Cestaro, a long-time resident of Hampton Bays, died surrounded by family on January 14 at Oasis Rehabilitation Center in Center Moriches. She was 100.
She was born in New York City on October 3, 1923, the daughter of Natalia and Alfonso Tripodi. She studied sewing and clothing design in high school and worked as a seamstress for many years at Mam’selle Handbags and Kaplan and Gordon, among other companies.
She was a housewife and stay-at-home mom while her children were in school. She had a huge, loving heart and her world was centered around her family, family members said.
She was predeceased by Fedele Cestaro, her husband of 36 years. They met shortly before World War II and were married on April 27, 1946, after he was discharged from the U.S. Army. They lived in New York City until 1961, when they moved to Hampton Bays.
She was predeceased by a grandchild, Christopher Lent. She is survived by three children, Florence Cestaro of Florida, Vincent Cestaro of Hampton Bays, and Alfonse Cestaro of Virginia; four grandchildren, Deirdre Clay of Hampton Bays, Elissa Burkes of Oklahoma, Gina Kershner of Virginia, and Alfonse (Buck) Cestaro of Virginia.
She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, Kaya Clay of Hampton Bays, Karissa and Haydyn Burkes of Oklahoma, Joshua, Peter, and Juliana Kershner of Virginia, and Angelina, Isabella, and Antonio Cestaro of Virginia; and one great-great-grandchild, Abigail Kershner of Virginia.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Scott-Rothwell Funeral Home in Hampton Bays.