Obituary of Rosemarie C. Moore

Rosemarie Christine Vaccaro Moore, age 92 of Derby, beloved wife of the late Jack Eugene Moore, died peacefully on July 4, 2024, in the comfort of her home with her daughter by her side.  Born in Derby on August 31, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Loretto (Lorie) and Anna Vitello Vaccaro.  Mrs. Moore was a 1949 graduate of Derby High School, a lifelong Derby resident and a faithful parishioner of St Mary's Church for more than 80 years.   She was especially known for her kindness of heart, her prolific garden and naturally green thumb, and for having a genuine soft spot for stray animals. 

She was a brilliant and vital person, with a clear mind and fierce intellect right through to her last days.   She graduated with honors from University of Bridgeport, at the top of her class in math, and like so many of the Vitellos before her, she grew into a natural entrepreneur.

She successfully managed four careers, prior to her retirement. Starting from her teenage years through her 20s and 30s, she worked as a waitress and manager in her family’s well known local Italian restaurant, Lorie’s on Elizabeth Street in Derby.  Mrs. Moore was also a legal secretary for the Yudkin & Yudkin Law firm on Main St in Derby for many years.   After getting married, she became a licensed real estate agent and co-owner of Grinmore Realty of Derby.   Then, together with her husband, she developed a property management business in the Valley, which they operated successfully together for more than 50 years.  She also volunteered for the local Red Cross during the 2nd World War and served on the Derby Inlands Wetlands Conservation Committee in the 1980s.

She will long be remembered as a greatly beloved matriarch who glowed in the adoration of her entire family, especially her cherished granddaughters, Viviana Jacqueline Serlin and Amelia Rose Serlin.  She is survived by her devoted daughter Annamarie Serlin and her husband, Richard of Fairfield; as well as several dear nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband of 52 years, she was predeceased by sisters, Annamay “Dolly” Smith and Christine “Tina” Grinchis; and a brother, Ronald “Bunny” Vaccaro.  Family and friends may call on Sunday, July 7, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia.  Funeral services will take place on Monday, July 8, 2024 at 9:00 AM from the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM in St. Mary’s Church of the Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish, 212 Elizabeth Street, Derby.  Private interment will take place in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery, Derby.  Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.