Rae Molinelli

Rae (Raffaela) Molinelli (nee Testa, youngest of seven), a long-time resident of Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. for 53 years and a respected real estate broker who started her own firm in 1974, passed away on February 29, 2012 at the age of 89. The youngest daughter of industrious Italian parents who owned several pork stores in the Bronx, Rae rose from humble beginnings in Throggs Neck, helping her family with the stores as a child after school. But death of her father during the Influenza Outbreak of 1929, followed by the Great Depression left her mother Eugenia widowed and struggling. Her mother's inner strength and enduring faith during the Depression Era taught and motivated Rae to rise above the hardships. Intelligent and determined, Rae blossomed as a young, independent woman maintaining a strong work ethic and great integrity. Rae attended Monroe College for Business followed by work in the Internal Revenue Service where, after WWII, she met her future husband, John. Rae was the beloved wife for 26 years of the late John Molinelli who predeceased her in 1975. She remained a devoted and loving mother of six: Christine, Eugene (Judi), Linda (Ross) Mittiga, Joyce (John) Acocella, Michael (Gina), and Bruce (Elizabeth). For her nieces and nephews, Rae was a generous and loving aunt who led their way from old world traditions into modern America.As a faithful parishioner of St. Theresa's Parish, Rae and her husband were instrumental in launching the school, renovating the convent, and even starting the men and women's bowling leagues. Rae also served on the first parish council and was in the first class of Eucharistic Ministers. A worthy competitor in athletics, Rae shared a love for tennis, softball, bowling, swimming, and golf with her husband John. She carried the spirit of competition and fair play with her through her business career.Rae's life-lessons made her an involved parent accustomed to making personal sacrifices for her family. Rae was an inspiring role model. She encouraged all her children to be positive, do their best in school, and further their education. Her unswerving guidance, even after she became widowed with young children, and her genuine pride in their successes earned her the right to share vicariously in their many college degrees. She was the cherished grandmother to fourteen: Elise, Noel (Derek) Gatts, Evan, Rosalyn, Jonathan, Thomas, Christina, Angela, Luke, Charlotte, Philip, Amanda, Emily, and Matthew; great grandmother of two: Parker and Easton Gatts. She enjoyed playing with her grandchildren, but she also knew when to offer sage advice that made her an inspiration to them all. Her family is especially grateful that God blessed her with a long life, quick wit, amazing determination, fierce independence, and a strong faith. Her contagious laugh, her love of life, her joy for singing will be greatly missed, but her family and friends will cherish wonderful memories of her charismatic and indomitable spirit. Reposing at Hawthorne Funeral Home; 21 West Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY 10532 Saturday 7-9 p.m.; Sunday, 2-4 p.m.; 7-9 p.m. Monday, March 5, 2012 Funeral Mass at St. Theresa's Parish, Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor, 10 a.m.; Interment at Gates of Heaven, Hawthorne. Donations may be made to Saint Mary of the Snow School, 25 Cedar Street, Saugerties, NY 12477 or Saint Theresa's School, 300 Dalmeny Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510.

Departed on Feb. 29, 2012 and resided in Briarcliff Manor, NY.

Visitation: Saturday, Mar. 3, 2012 & Sunday, Mar. 4, 2012

Mass: Monday, Mar. 5, 2012
10:00 am - 10:45 am

Cemetery: Gate of Heaven Cemetery

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