Cesarea Regina
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, Cesarea “Rina” Regina, who died peacefully on July 29, 2025, at the age of 85. She was born on March 29, 1940, in Sannicandro di Bari, Italy, the second of seven siblings to the late Antonio and Graziella (Ferrante) Clarizio.
At the age of 16, Rina moved to White Plains, NY in 1956. She later returned to Italy to marry her husband, Giuseppe Regina, on September 8, 1962. They shared 21 loving years of marriage before his passing on March 24, 1983.
Rina was a devoted mother to her son, Thomas Regina, and daughters, Maria Regina-Vita and Grace Riccio (Greg), and a cherished grandmother to her four granddaughters: Angela and Sarah Vita, and Marisa and Kristen Riccio. Her family was her greatest joy, and she filled the lives of those around her with love, faith, and the warmth of her Italian heritage.
She delighted in sharing her many talents — from her delicious Italian cooking and baking to her beautifully crocheted blankets and hats, which she gave as heartfelt gifts. Rina’s handiwork remains a treasured legacy for those she loved.
A devout Catholic, Rina found solace and community as a faithful member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in White Plains, NY.
She worked at Corham Artificial Flowers for several years before joining Westchester County Medical Center as a laundry attendant. She retired 20 years ago to devote more time to her family, her parish, and her passions for gardening, baking, and crocheting. During this time, she lovingly crocheted hats and blankets for NICU babies — a selfless act that brought comfort to families she never met.
Rina is survived by her three children: Thomas Regina, Maria Regina-Vita, and Grace Riccio (Greg); her four granddaughters: Angela and Sarah Vita, and Marisa and Kristen Riccio; her siblings: Michele (Yolanda) Clarizio, Maria Rizzi (Frank, predeceased), Anna Chiarelli (Angelo, predeceased), Nancy (John) Racanelli, Vincenzo (Nella) Clarizio, and Rosa (Raffaele) Fascilla; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at McMahon Funeral Home in White Plains, NY on Sunday, August 3, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in White Plains on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in White Plains, NY.
Rina’s warmth, kindness, and creative spirit will remain a lasting light in the hearts of her family and all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace.