Flora S. Romonto (nee Cassese) passed away on Dec. 9, 2021.
She was born in Little Italy, in Cleveland, on May 28, 1925.
Flora is survived by her daughters, Carol Schaper (John), Donna Black (Jim); daughter-in-law, Susan Romonto; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Mary Ellen Cassese; sister-in-law Jeannette Virant (husband Bill); and many nieces, nephews and close friends.
Her family remembers her as a funny, sweet, caring and giving Italian matriarch.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years, Domenic (Don); parents, John and Ersilia (nee Sorrentini) Cassese; son, Frank Romonto; brothers, Andrew, John (wife Elaine, also deceased), Dominic (wife Jennie, also deceased); sisters, Mary Petrello (husband Nick, also deceased), Genevieve DiRocco (husband Reggie, also deceased); and sister-in-law Marie Wegas (husband Joe, also deceased).
Flora had fond memories growing up in Little Italy and had several lifelong friends from “the neighborhood.” She was proud of her Italian heritage and traveled to Italy on multiple occasions to tour and visit relatives.
She loved music and her cousin, Anita, taught her how to play the piano. She continued to take lessons and began playing the organ at Holy Rosary Church in the heart of Little Italy.
After high school, Flora attended Flora Stone Mather, a women’s college at the time which is now associated with Case Western Reserve. She graduated with a BA degree in music and continued giving piano lessons and playing the organ at church into her 90th year.
After moving to Maplewood at Chardon in March of 2021, she used her musical talents to entertain the residents and staff.
In 1948, Flora met her husband Don at a wedding. At the encouragement of his father, Don gave Flora and her mother a ride home. What a smart move; they were married shortly after on Nov. 5 , 1949, which was the beginning of a 71-year love affair.
After residing near Little Italy for a few years, the pioneers moved to a newly built home on 9 acres in Chesterland. They started out on a cold and snowy day in January of 1956 and lived in this home until March of 2021.
Family was important to Flora and Don, and they hosted many family picnics, holiday parties and birthday celebrations at the Romonto Hideaway. She loved to bake and cook. Holidays and birthdays will never be the same without her.
Flora was active in the community and church. She was a founding member of St. Anselm Church and participated in the choir.
She was a member of the Aquilegia Garden Club and enjoyed her friendships with many of the members. Most of the flowers may have been grown by Don, but the ribbons from The Great Geauga County Fair definitely belonged to Flora.
She enjoyed outdoor wildlife and bird watching was a passion for Flora. Her home with floor to ceiling windows was perfect for watching birds coming to land on the many handmade bird feeders crafted by her husband.
Flora lived a full life and touched the hearts of many. Her vibrant personality will be missed dearly, but never forgotten.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Dec. 15, 2021, at St. Anselm Catholic Church, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland. (Please meet at church. Mass streamed online at www.stanselm.org)
Interment will follow at Lake View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Flora’s name to St. Anselm Catholic Church in Chesterland.
Online tribute video and condolences at www.gattozziandson.com.
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