Dorene Cesa

Dorene Cesa, 82, formerly of Eastchester, New York, passed away peacefully at home at Sonata Viera Assisted Living Community in Melbourne, Florida on July 9, 2025.
She is survived by her three children, Christopher (Felicia) Cesa of East Northport, New York, Jennifer Cesa of New York City and Jessica (Erik Mont) Cesa of Bedford, Nova Scotia as well as seven grandchildren, Daniel and Nicholas Cesa (Christopher), Jonah and Levi Lew (Jennifer), and Leo, Henry and Emmett Mont (Jessica).
Born June 28, 1943 to the late Anne and Leo Romansoff, Dorene grew up in Yonkers, New York and was a graduate of Maria Regina High School and Mercy College. After earning degrees in communication arts and elementary education, Dorene taught in the Yonkers Public School System where she was known for her exceptional skill at helping her students understand math, her annual class trip to Philadelphia funded entirely on bake sales, and her weekly teacher football pools for which she was nicknamed "The Commish". In 1995 Dorene was awarded the Jenkins Memorial Award for Integrity and Commitment to Teaching.
A leader and helper at heart who was generous in spirit, Dorene was a consummate volunteer. When her children were in school, she was the first to raise her hand as a fundraiser, a class mother, and a PTA member. In retirement, Dorene served as president of the Wickham Park Senior Center in Melbourne, Florida, volunteered with Space Coast Honor Flight accompanying military veterans to visit the memorials in Washington, DC, and, in her final years, led the Residents' Council at Sonata Viera.
Dorene was an avid reader and an enthusiastic traveler, visiting China, Russia, New Zealand, Australia, and numerous European countries, among many others. She loved to cook and was happiest as the host, whether for family holiday gatherings or a spirited game of Mahjong. Her greatest joy though, came from being Grandma to her seven grandsons, who she talked about with great pride and visited as often as she could.
In addition to her parents, Dorene is predeceased by her beloved husband of 40 years, Gene, with whom she retired to Florida in 2003, and her brother, Leonard Romansoff of Delaware.
Family and friends are invited to gather at Westchester Funeral Home in Eastchester, New York on Monday, July 21st from 4-8pm. A funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church at 10:30am Tuesday, July 22nd followed by internment at Old St. Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx, New York.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dorene's name to
Honor Flight.
Please click here: Donate-Honor Flight Network