Rose Sandra Chikla
Rose Sandra DeLuca Chikla, 82, of New Haven peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on January 13, 2013. She was born in New Haven, CT, March 30, 1930 to Italian immigrant parents, Pasquale DeLuca and Concetta Concelmo DeLuca. Above all Rose cherished family and the very loving bonds she had with each of her nine siblings; Beverly Magee of FL, Robert DeLuca of FL, Sandra Kinnan of MS, Diane Dellinger of GA and the late Regina Goldberg, John Deluca, Louis F. DeLuca, Pat DeLuca Jr, & Anthony DeLuca. A hardworking, self-determined child of the Depression Era, Rose had many accomplishments in this life and positively touched the lives of so many people through her love of people, music, education, church and country.From an early age Rose was an accomplished pianist and earned a scholarship to Julius Heart School of Music. She was the pianist for the Helen Senay School of Dance and many chorus groups and orchestras as a student at Hillhouse High School. She also played in an all girl orchestra in New Haven and had the joy of singing on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House as a member of the All State Chorus. Rose taught her joy for music to hundreds of students as a private piano instructor for 36 years. She was a member of the National Piano Teachers Association. A consummate learner, Rose received her B.A, in Elementary Education, M.A. and Sixth Year Degree in Administration and Supervision from Southern Connecticut State University. She was a respected and innovative teacher for the Milford Board of Education for 32 years. She was a master teacher for 14 years and a member of the NEA, CEA, MEA, The Greater Bridgeport Teacher's Association and the New Haven Teacher's Retirement Association. After retirement in 1982, Rose was a substitute teacher, private tutor and homebound instructor. Rose was married to Joseph Chikla in 1951 until his death in 1978 and was a wonderful mother to her three daughters, Roberta Chikla, Robin Chikla Richardson and the late Joan Chikla Frawley. A long time resident of Orange, CT, Rose was very devoted to her parish, Holy Infant Church, holding offices in the Church Women's Guild as well as being a member of The Good News Folk Group. She was also extremely active in both The Racebrook School PTA Council and held many offices in the American Legion Auxiliary #127 in Orange. In retirement Rose moved to West Palm Beach, Florida where she enjoyed 20 years with her companion and friend, Michael Mainiero. She had many cherished friends in Florida, including her best friend, Phyllis Robinson. Rose had an enormous, generous heart and made friends with everyone she met. Anyone who knew Rose, loved Rose. She extended her sense of family to all and 'adopted' her two dear friends, Lois Longwell and Sandy Kline as her 'other daughters'. She is survived by her sons-in-law, Richard Frawley and Scott Meyers, her two beloved grandchildren, Samantha-Jo Richardson and Jonathan Richardson and his wife Mary. Rose had just become a great-grandmother to Hailee Richardson who brought her such joy. Rose was a cherished aunt to 45 nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews. Rose lived her life with joy and grace despite having to endure multiple medical conditions and adversities throughout the years. She was so grateful for the wonderful care-givers who came into her life in the past two years. She was a shining light on this planet who will be deeply missed by all. Her funeral will be held from BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden on Friday, Jan, 18th at 9:30 AM followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Holy Infant Church, 450 Race Brook Rd, Orange. Friends may also visit with her family at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Interment will follow in Centerville Cemetery in Hamden.
I was fortunate to have Mrs. Chikla as my teacher in both 4th and 5th grade back in the 60’s. I, along with so many others, will remember her for the love of learning that she inspired in us. My condolences to your family.
I will cherish forever the love and the laughter that Rose always kept in her heart, no matter what difficulties in life had to be faced. Her ability to put those around her at ease at all times made a huge impact on my life. I strive every day to try to live up to what I learned from Rose: to be kind, to sincerely care for others, to forgive, and to always have faith. I am so grateful for the times I was able to spend with her.
My fifth grade teacher. A true educator and professional. She taught me so much more than education, she taught life, life skills, charity, generosity. In all my ears of education I have a total of three teachers that made a huge difference in my life, Mrs. Chikla was by far the greatest of them all. A saint in her own right.
Rose is my god mother and I will always remember playing in the back yard in Orange. I still remember going to the butcher shop and skipping school with Joan. We used to play candy land in the basement of the old house. Their was always cookies and candy when I came by. Joan showed me how to ride a bike in the driveway. Remember the storage hole at the opposite end of the basement? And the secret wood hole from the garage to the fireplace. The giant garden in the back yard & flying kites across all four back yards….
Rose was my 1st Cousin. She was the daughter of my Aunt Concetta (her Mom), who was the sister of my Dad, Dominic Concelmo. While growing up in Hamden, my Dad and my Mom would visit Rose in Orange to spend a Sunday afternoon with her and her family telling stories and having fun inside and outside. She was almost 20 yrs my senior, so she was considered a mentor more than she was a 1st Cousin. I was probably pre-teen when we visited her. I enjoyed her smile and hospitality…once in a while she would play the piano, which I loved to hear. She made sure we had food and drinks and wanted us to enjoy her house. I have been away from CT for over 40 yrs while she has been in FL…but I still miss her and the special family times we spent with her and my Dad. My Dad made her laugh many times. I think my Dad considered her a Saint because she was that nice and that caring for everyone. I remember how proud she was of her daughters. I will miss her.
Thinking of all of you as you go thru this difficut time. Only had the pleasure of being in Rose’s company a few times, but those few times I could tell what a truely great person she was. Prayers to the entire family Cindy Therrien
Among my happiest memories is the big family party at the Chickla residence in the Summer of 1973. Aunt Rose, Uncle Joe, Bert, Robin, and Joanie were so wonderful and the crowd of relatives seemed endless in their large backyard. Aunt Rose easily won a most favored place in my heart. When I think of Aunt Rose, I sense her generous spirit, feel her genuine warmth, hear her delightful laugh, sparkle at her mischevious mirth, and feel her wonderful hugs! Just to be in the same room with her was better than any gift you could ever receive — she radiated Love and inspired Joy! God’s heavenly garden is in full bloom with our Rose . . .
Dear Burt and .THE ENTIRE CHIKLA FAMILY’ My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad and difficult time. I hope that your memories of Rose will live on and always keep you strong. Sincerely, Marianne Miller
Rose is part of some of my fondest childhood memories. Day trips with all the girls, piano lessons, overnights, and visits to the house in Orange all were happy times. She had enough love for all of us in her life. John and I send our sincerest condolences to you all.
I will always keep Rose in my memories as a wonderful friend and loyal customer. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends. She is one of the finest people I have ever known.
Rose’s spirit and warmth will forever be a part of the countless students and teachers whose lives she enriched.
So sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember Rose as compassionate, sincere, and loving. All my best to friends and family during this difficult time. Love, Martin
Dear Aunt Rose… It is difficult to try to fit in all that I truly would love to say about you and how you inspired me in life. Even though we were not related by blood I always looked up to you as an Aunt and was proud to call you Aunt Rose. You had a heart as big as the world. You lite up the room with your beautiful big smile and such kind words you always had to say. Always there for whom ever needed you! The great memories I will hope in my heart forever whether being together at the Magee Home in Gaineville, FL or your winter home in West Palm Beach, it was always fun. You will be missed beautiful lady and I thank you for always reaching out to me over the years with the cards you would send. It meant so much to me. I love you Aunt Rose and the heavens got a new beautiful spiritual Angel that will make beautiful music. God bless Roberts, Robin and all of your special family during this very difficult time. Love you always, Marge xoxoxo