Rebecca DeFalco passed away peacefully in Vermont on October 1st, 2018 after a long illness. She was 70 years old. She is survived by her loving son, Raffaele Ciminello and his amazing wife, Molly and her three grandsons, who she adored. She was blessed with being able to spend the last years of her life with them.
Rebecca was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and lived in Ohio and Indiana, traveling around the country. Her gypsy soul eventually brought her to Arizona with her partner, Gary Ciminello and they finally put down roots in the desert that she loved.
She founded and was the longtime owner of DeCio Pasta starting in the early 1980’s. Their small factory in Cave Creek made the best gourmet vegetable flavored pastas.
After selling the company, she became the manager of the Heard Museum North gift shop which benefited from her love and knowledge of Indian jewelry and art. Her retirement brought time to cook for friends, create art and visit family.
She is also survived by 2 sisters and a brother and many nieces and nephews.
To quote her niece: “My wild and wonderful Aunt Rebecca DeFalco has gone on to the next adventure. She taught us how to cook & swear. Gave us a distrust for authority (You’ll never catch me alive, Coppers!) a love of the desert, art, food of all kinds (but mostly pasta) and was always our number one fan. We loved her dearly. She was fierce, loyal, and full of passion. Eat a bowl of pasta for Rebecca today. And make sure it’s not gluten free. She hated that stuff.”
