Stella DeSena

Stella DeSena passed away on September 4, 2025 at the age of 95.

Stella was born in Manhattan to parents Joseph and Concetta LaPerna. She met her husband of 46 years, Henry, at a dance and later settled with him in Brooklyn, where they raised their two sons, Salvatore and Joseph. Together, they spent many happy summers at their vacation home in Pennsylvania.

Stella, a true renaissance woman ahead of her time, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Hunter College and went on to have a long, impactful career as a science teacher at Joseph B. Cavallaro Junior High School in Brooklyn.

Always keeping busy, a woman who could knit and crochet, dabbling in painting, a member of the Rosarians, volunteering during her senior years at SIUH and most recently playing poker at The Esplanade, her gusto for activity never ceased. Along with her sharp mind, there was always an inquisitive spirit asking questions and seldom being satisfied with status quo answers. Her yearning for knowledge never ceased, even prompting her to take classes at the UFT during her retirement years and inspiring her to become well-read on the latest scientific discoveries.

For those fortunate enough to know Stella, she was a most generous soul and her greatest love and source of pride was her children and grandchildren. Her devotion to them, as well as her care and devotion to her late husband Henry, was unmatched. It gives her family great comfort to know that she has joined him in God's heavenly care.

Stella is survived by her sons Salvatore (Cyndi) and Joseph (Lorrie), as well as her grandchildren Alexandra, Joseph, Amanda, Gabrielle, Samantha and Salvatore.