Obituary of Catherine M. Esposito

Catherine M. "Kay" Esposito, 95 of Troy, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 18, 2023 with her loving family by her side. Kay was greeted in heaven by her late husband, Paul J. Esposito, her son, Patrick J. Esposito, nephew John Ostwald, brother Saverio "Sonny" Rea, step-siblings Marco (late, Dorothea), Jane and Patrick L. Zucaro and her parents, the late John Rea, Josephine Cesta Rea Zucaro and Pasquale Zucaro. 

Born in Troy, New York, she was a graduate of Catholic Central High School and went on to practice as a Beautician, owning her own salon “Kay’s Beauty Salon” on Hill Street in Troy for 32 years.

Kay was an expert around the kitchen and an avid baker, known for her incredible chocolate cake and cookie assortments. She loved her Anisette (straight from the bottle), her family, all animals, God and Tiger Woods. 

Kay was a long time member of the Italian Community Center in Troy and had served as President of their Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a faithful communicant of St Anthony’s Church in Troy.

Survivors include her devoted daughter Josephine (Michael Nicholas) Esposito, her loving granddaughter; Kyla Rea (William) Rushford, loving grandson; Mikel "MJ" Nicholas, great grandchildren; Bria Rea Rushford, Kade William Rushford and her namesake Rose Catherine Rushford, sister Josephine “Jo” (late, Warren) Smith, niece  Carla (Mark) Schlesinger and their daughter Crystal (Kenny) Swinton, sister-in-law Sally Zucaro, nephew Patrick (Vincenza) Zucaro, like an adopted son Walter (Lisa) Stone and also survived by many nieces and nephews of the Esposito family.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and to her Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. all which will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Shrine Church, 28 State St., Troy, NY 12180.

Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy.

Kay’s family wishes to offer their special thanks to Louise Germinerio for her kindness and companionship to both Kay and her family. They would also like to extend their most sincere gratitude to all of the B-3 staff at the Van Rensselaer Manor and the Community Hospice team for the loving and compassionate care provided.

To honor the memory of Kay’s late son Patrick, it is asked that those desiring, make memorial contributions to The American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110, in memory of Catherine M. “Kay” Esposito or to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204.