Carmelette M. Rotella, an Educator, Union Leader and Board of Education member who was a pillar of the Niagara Falls community died on June 26, 2019 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer only weeks before.  She was 71.

She was born and raised in Niagara Falls, the daughter of Ralph and Antonina (Cosentino) DeFazio.  She attended Madonna High School, graduated from the University at Buffalo, and was awarded a Master of Science degree in Education at Niagara University.  She taught Social Studies for a number of years in the city school district of Niagara Falls before becoming a School Guidance Counselor there.  She worked at Niagara Falls High School, LaSalle Senior, Trott Vocational, and Abate elementary school during her 30 plus career serving the pupils of the city.

While employed with the district, she became active in the Niagara Falls Teachers Union, considering it a vehicle that could work with the Administration to effectively improve conditions for all stakeholders there.  Ultimately, she rose to be elected the first woman in its history to be its president.  In recognition of her service she was awarded the prestigious NYSUT Regional Service Award for going "above and beyond" in service to the membership, as well as received the NFT Distinguished Service award. During her term as president she successfully fought breast cancer twice.

Upon retirement, her passion as an educator continued, such that she ran and was elected to the Niagara Falls Board of Education numerous times, also serving as its president for a time.

In addition to her roles in the field of education, she was also appointed by multiple mayors of the City of Niagara Falls as a board member of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority where she served for many years.

Carmelette loved to travel and visited destinations as far flung as Hawaii to Eastern Europe.  As recently as last fall she traveled to southern Italy and renewed acquaintances with family there.

Survivors include her husband Richard, with whom she would have celebrated 50 years of marriage only two days after her passing, and daughters Rachel and Marisa (Christopher Hubbe) and grandchildren Dylan and Connor.  She is also survived by siblings Ralph (Jeanne) DeFazio and Carol (Charles) Hartwig.

Pursuant to her wishes, only private arrangements were made by the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Memorial offerings may be made to a charity of one's choice. Please visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.