Obituary of Caroline M. Lesando

Caroline M. Lesando April 6, 1924 – June 28, 2014 Glenville, New York (formerly of Warwick, New York) Caroline M. Lesando entered into rest peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2014 with her family by her side. She was 90 years old. The daughter of Frank and Bernice Cosco, she was born on April 6, 1924 in Middletown, New York. She married her beloved husband, Nicholas Lesando, on September 5, 1943 and together they enjoyed a 66-year long loving marriage before his passing in 2010. When Caroline started life with Nick she became a military wife and for the 21 years he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, she made a home for him and their three children at each of the various bases to which they were assigned. After retirement from the USAF in 1962, the family settled back in Warwick, New York and became involved with the community. Caroline was a long term parishioner of St. Stephens RC Church, a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Caroline was a Gold Star Mother. Both Caroline and her husband Nick had deep patriotic roots and a love of their country and passionately took part in many military salutes to our fallen soldiers as well as to our current troops. Caroline appreciated and gave thanks for the blessings in her life. She embraced her faith and was deeply religious. Caroline was a kind person who helped others who were less fortunate. She was a wonderful cook and was proclaimed to make the best spaghetti sauce of the entire family! As an ardent NY Yankees fan she not only watched the current games but the replays as well! Caroline was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed being with her family and they enjoyed being with her. Her family will cherish the happy memories of her strong spirit, her lovely smile and laughter, and her genuine and unshakable love for all of them. Caroline is survived by her daughter Carol Schmick and her husband William of Glenville, New York; her four granddaughters: Nicolette Daniels and husband John; Joann Feeley and husband TJ; Paula Roney and husband Jeff; and Rachel Grenald and husband Leno; her three great grandchildren, Korey and Ajay Feeley and Noah Grenald; her daughter-in-law Joy Lesando of Florida; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Joyce Stoeberl and her husband Leo of Greenwood Lake and her "adopted" third son, John Woloszczak and his wife Agnes of Warwick. Caroline was predeceased by her husband Nick; her two sons, Nicholas P. Lesando, Jr. who was killed in Vietnam and Joseph J. Lesando; her brothers: Sam, Peter, Joseph; her sisters: Carmela Damiano and Mary Russo. Visitation will be held from 2-4pm and 7-9pm on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at the Strong-Basile Funeral Home, 4 Oak Street, Greenwood Lake, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at St. Stephens RC Church, 75 Sandfordville Road, Warwick. Burial will follow in St. Stephens Cemetery, Warwick. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Nicholas P. Lesando, Jr. American Legion Post 214 at 71 Forester Avenue, Warwick, New York 10990 or to the Carmelite Sisters at Carmel of the Incarnation, 89 Hiddenbrooke Drive, Beacon, New York 12508. Arrangements by Strong-Basile Funeral Home. For information or directions please call 845-477-8240