Rosemary E. Pittman

Rosemary E. (Breyer) Pittman, 98, lived a life filled with family: small and large, relatives and friends. The oldest daughter of Elizabeth and Louis Breyer was born in New York City in 1927, and, six years later, her sister, Carol, joined the family. Rosemary was a proud graduate of Dominican Commercial High School in Jamaica, Queens, where she learned the secretarial skills that would frame her work outside the home.
In 1947, she married the soldier she had been writing to during WWII, Gerard T. (Jerry) Pittman – who was one of ten children. Family connections grew.
Over the next 17 years, their love for each other brought 8 children into the world. For 25 years, they raised their family in Woodhaven (Queens, NY) and were active in St. Thomas the Apostle parish/school. In 1972, they and 5 of their children moved to Manlius, carrying many memories of friendships and activities. They quickly immersed themselves in the community and St. Ann's Church. Rosemary worked as a secretary at the United Methodist Church in Manlius; the Vocation Office of the Diocese of Syracuse; and Francis House. A Marriage Encounter Weekend led to gatherings with the local CORE group, where deep friendships were formed, leading to lifelong connections. Their deep commitment to faith led to Jerry's ordination as a Deacon, celebrated by family and friends from near and far.
Their children eventually found their own love stories and family connections grew even more! As the family matriarch, her 21 grandchildren and spouses, and 28 great grandchildren, loved getting birthday/anniversary/holiday cards from her, as did her children and their spouses, and many nieces and nephews. Her secretarial skills were in full force as she organized birthdays and anniversaries by month before she ventured out to the card store.
With the move from NYC and the ever growing family spreading out across the country, the telephone was another connection to everyone. As technology evolved, so did she, moving on to FaceTime and text messages through her 80s and 90s. Throughout the years, Rosemary also continued to stay connected to her NYC roots, visiting family and friends, enjoying Broadway shows and revisiting the sights and sounds of the city.
She made the decision to move into Maple Downs, where she enjoyed the amenities and companionship of some dear friends, about six years after her husband passed. After almost seven years there, failing health brought her to the Jewish Home of CNY (Menorah Park) where, after almost two years, she passed away on November 20, 2025. We are grateful for all the staff who cared for her there and at Maple Downs. Rosemary was predeceased by her husband, Jerry, after 63 years of love and family; their infant son, James Thomas; her parents; sister and brother-in- law, Carol and Henry Ebersold; and countless other family members and friends.
She is survived by her loving children, Catherine (Donald) Cornue, Gerard (Louise) Pittman, Elizabeth (Douglas) Keene, Lawrence (Terri) Pittman, Michael (Elizabeth) Pittman, Peggy (Jeff) Menter, Joseph Pittman (Steven Cummings), and all of their children and grandchildren. She is also lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, especially her sister's children/spouses, the Ebersolds.
Throughout her life, family and PEACE were her touchstones. She would wish the following on all: May the Lord bless you and keep you; may he make his face to shine upon you and give you peace."
Calling hours will be from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at St. Ann's Church, 104 Academy St., Manlius. The funeral Mass will follow the calling hours. Burial will be in Manlius Village Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Ann's Parish, 104 Academy St., Manlius 13104