October 17, 1925 - April 7, 2026
OBITUARY
Rosalyn Anne DiSerio (Salemme) passed away on April 7 at the age of 100. Born to Madeline and Anthony Salemme in Endicott, New York, in 1925, Rosalyn was the second of six children and lovingly known as "Lolie." A proud member of the Greatest Generation, she grew up during the Great Depression, experienced poverty firsthand, and spent two years of her youth in a tuberculosis sanitarium-early hardships that helped shape her strength, resilience, and grace.
Inspired to serve her country during World War II, Rosalyn left home to work for the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. After returning to New York, she met Dominick DiSerio, a handsome young serviceman whom she married. Together, they settled in Syracuse, and raised three sons-Victor, Michael, and James-instilling in them the values of hard work, dedication, and family above all else. Rosalyn and Dom supported their sons through sports, schooling away from home, and travels across the country, eventually welcoming seven grandchildren who would all come to know and love her as "Baba."
After nearly 50 years of marriage, Dom suffered a stroke, and they moved to California to be closer to family. Rosalyn became his devoted caregiver for the final 10 years of his life. Her selfless love and compassion were a powerful example to all who witnessed it, and she often said there was nothing she and Dom would not do for each other.
Dom passed away in 2001, and Rosalyn carried on her cherished role as Baba, traveling across the country to attend grandchildren's graduations, weddings, and milestones. She was thrilled to eventually meet all seven of her great-grandchildren and, this past October, joyfully celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family who adored her.
Rosalyn was predeceased by her husband Dominick; her brothers Nick and John Salemme; her sisters Anita Salemme and Mary DiSerio; and her daughter-in-law, Renee DiSerio. She is survived by her devoted sons: Victor (Kathleen) of Singer Island, Florida; Michael; and James (Susan) of Stockton, California. She is also survived by her grandchildren Michael, Steven, Laura (Casey), Stephanie, Gina (Patrick), Jill, Dominick, and Justine (Brian); her great-grandchildren James, Will, Ben, John, Isabel, Edward, and Owen; her sister Sally (Otto) Nechlaba of Endicott, New York; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren. A private, family funeral will be held in California.
Rosalyn's strong spirit and unwavering optimism-even in the most difficult times-were an inspiration to all. Ever the optimist, she may have single-handedly kept the California State Lotto in business with her daily scratch-off purchases.
Over her 100 years, Rosalyn gained a wealth of wisdom that she gladly shared. When asked for her most important advice, she always said, "Pray every day... no matter who or what you pray to, just pray every day." She also believed, "We don't say goodbye-we say so long."
So long, Baba. You will be deeply missed and forever cherished by a family grateful to have shared in your love for so many years.
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 9:00am - 10:00am on Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 at the Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.
SERVICE
A service will be held at the Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the DiSerio family.