Mrs. Olivia Desiderio

Former Recreational Director at Watertown Convalarium  

WATERBURY- Olivia M. Desiderio, age 80, of Waterbury, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024, at Saint Mary’s Hospital after a brief illness. See was the widow of Robert Desiderio. Olivia, was born on January 6, 1944 in Waterbury, CT, the daughter of the late Salvatore and Florence (Yackel) Dellacamera. She was educated in local schools and received her degree in early childhood education from Naugatuck Valley Community College and her bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from UCONN. Olivia's career was diverse. She began working as a hairdresser and wig stylist during her younger years and then became the Recreational Director at the former Watertown Convalarium Nursing Home. She was an animal lover, with a menagerie of pets, and enjoyed playing BINGO and doing word search puzzles. But above all, Olivia's greatest joy was time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a former parishioner of St John the Evangelist Church in Watertown and, more recently, she was a parishioner of St Leo the Great Church in Waterbury.   

Left to honor her memory and cherish her legacy are her sons, Robert Desiderio of Florida, and David Desiderio, and his wife, Debbi, of Wolcott. She also leaves her 4 grandchildren, Drew, Dayle, Robert, and Stephanie, as well as several nieces and nephews, including Terri Baltera and her husband, John of Wolcott. She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Joanne Desiderio,and her sister, Delores Della Camera Jacewicz.  

Funeral services for Mrs. Desiderio will be held on Monday, July 22nd, 2024, at 11:00 am a when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Mary Mother of the Church Parish, St Leo the Great Church, 14 Bentwood Dr. Waterbury. Those planning to attend are asked to meet directly at the church Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery, Waterbury. There are no calling hours. Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care is honored to be caring for Olivia and her family during this difficult time. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence and share a memory or words of comfort with the family and friends of someone who was important to you. Please do that on the funeral home tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com . To send flowers or a memorial gift to the Desiderio family, please visit our website at www.caseyfunerals.com.