Anita Arezzo Petrosino

August 8, 1927

January 19, 2026

Anita Petrosino, formerly of Gaylord Street, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at The Commons on St. Anthony, with her loving family by her side. She was 98 years old. Anita was born on August 8, 1927, in Auburn, New York, the daughter of the late Antonio and Concetta (Terranova) Arezzo. She was a lifelong resident of Auburn and graduated from West High School in 1945.

A devoted member of the Catholic faith, Anita was a communicant of both St. Alphonsus and St. Mary’s Church, where she married the love of her life, Pasquale “Pat” Petrosino, on January 3,1948. Together they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage until Pat’s passing in 2005. Anita

attended Mass daily whenever possible and rarely missed a day, often worshiping at her other beloved parishes Sacred Heart and Holy Family.

One of seven children, Anita was always a pillar of strength and support for her family. Her calling in life was helping others look and feel their best as a hairdresser and stylist. Anita received her hairdressing license while in school, working at the Powder Puff. After obtaining

her license, one of Anita’s first jobs was working alongside her brother-in-law, Don Brancato, at Don’s Beauty Salon. From there, Anita’s talents took her wherever she was needed, styling hair

in her home, making personal house calls for family and friends, and for more than 50 years

styling the hair of the deceased at Farrell’s Funeral Home. She even lovingly styled her own mother’s hair after her passing, remarking that she had “a great conversation” with her mother during the process. Anita took pride in her work and found joy in making others the best version

of themselves. Anita also had a lifelong passion for swimming. For more than 60 years, she taught swimming lessons at the local YMCA, instructing hundreds, if not thousands, of community members,

friends, and family. In recognition of her dedication and community service, Anita was named “Woman of the Year” in the fall of 1964..

Her love of swimming extended to her home life as well. In 1967, after years of tireless work and saving every dollar she made from hairdressing, Anita and Pat had Auburn’s first in-ground swimming pool installed in their backyard at 21 Gaylord Street. During the 1970s and 1980s, the home affectionately became known as “Camp 21” to her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she cherished more than anything. Summers were filled with laughter as children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and neighborhood friends packed the tiny backyard, a pool full of loved ones, always filling Anita’s heart with immense love and joy. Above all else, Anita’s greatest love was her husband, Pat. Together they traveled the world, taking countless cruises to sun-drenched destinations. They danced their way from one tropical

island to the next, often wearing matching outfits and delighting in each other’s company. Anyone who knew Anita knew her love for the sun and the happiness she found simply being by Pat’s side. Their life together was one of deep love, faith, family, and shared adventure.

Anita was also deeply devoted to her daughter, Patsy Stroman, caring for her with selflessness and love in the years Patsy battled Scleroderma. Whether in Florida or at the family home on Gaylord Street, Anita ensured that those final years were filled with comfort, love, and cherished memories. Anita’s love extended just as deeply to her great-grandchildren, who affectionately knew her as “Big Nannie.” She treasured every moment spent with them and delighted in watching her

family continue to grow across generations. True to her lifelong passion, Anita also taught her great-grandchildren how to swim, proudly spanning four generations of swimmers. In doing so, not only did she pass along a vital life skill, but also her confidence, patience, and joy, creating poolside memories that will be cherished forever.

Anita is survived by her children, Denis (Paula) Petrosino and Barbara (Thomas) Crawford; her grandchildren, Michael (Kelly) Petrosino, Christopher (Corinne) Stroman, Wendy (Shawn) Broton, Patrick (Christina) Crawford, Jason (Crystal) Stroman, Richard (Tara) Stroman, Julie Crawford, Thomas (Cathleen) Crawford, and Trevor (Theresa) Stroman; one sister, Vivian Sinicropi; a very special niece, Diane Sinicropi; and several other nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Anita was predeceased by her husband, Pasquale “Pat” Petrosino on September 1, 2005; her daughter, Patsy Stroman May 20, 2013; her sisters, Ann Brancato, Mary

Marco, and Jean Tarleton; and her brothers, Anthony Arezzo and Andrew Arezzo.

The family would like to take this opportunity to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Faatz-Crofut Home for the Elderly and the Commons on St. Anthony for the compassionate care shown to Anita in her final days.

Calling hours will be held at Farrell’s Funeral Service. Inc 84 South Street Auburn on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a prayer service at 11:15 a.m. led by Father Louis Vasile. Anita will be laid to rest beside her husband at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Fleming on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

In accordance with Anita’s wishes, contributions in her memory may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America or the National Scleroderma Foundation