Obituary of Anthony Rotante

Anthony Rotante Anthony Rotante, 98 years of age, died Sunday, April 1, 2007 in Sunrise, Florida. Born on January 15, 1909, he was the son of the late Pasquale and Grazia Rotante. He married the love of his life, Filomena (Emma) Castro in 1931 in Our Lady of Grace Church in the Bronx; she precedes him in death passing on May 28, 1992. Mr. Rotante worked for the City of New York in the Budget Bureau. He worked specifically for the Mayor's Office under several administrations; he eventually retired to Sunrise, Florida. Anthony was considered a Blues and Jazz Authority; he was the subject of several books as well as contributing author of articles on the subject. In August of 2006, he donated his extensive and rare collection of Duke Ellington records, tapes, books and other memorabilia to the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, and the Archives of Jazz and Blues, in Fort Lauderdale. Survivors include his son-in-law, Raymond J. Kane of Wappingers Falls; grandson, Kevin Kane and his wife, Adrienne of Poughkeepsie; granddaughters, Elizabeth Kane-Leahy and her husband, Dennis of Maybrook, Margaret Kane of the Town of Newburgh and Mary Kane-Hooker and her husband, Mel of Rio Rancho, NM; and his great-grandchildren, Kristopher Kane and Sean, Alyssa and Dylan Leahy. In addition to his wife, he is predeceased by his daughter, Grace Kane. Family will receive their friends on Thursday, April 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Straub Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A Liturgy of the Word will be held on Friday, April 6 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. Inurnment will take place in the family plot at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Anthony's name to the American Cancer Society, 45 Reade Place, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. For directions to the funeral home or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.straubfuneralhome.com.