Raffaella Anne Cannizzaro

It is with profound sadness and enduring love that we announce the passing of Raffaella “Rae” Anne Cannizzaro on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the age of 81 in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Rae was a devoted sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Born on April 19, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York to Philomenia and Angelo Cerciello. Rae spent her formative years in Brooklyn alongside her sister, Angela Davi. She is survived by her sister, Angela Davi, and her three daughters: Eva Golis (Robert), Phyllis DeLaRosa (Patrick), and Patricia Faust (Brian). Rae and her late husband, Peter Cannizzaro, were blessed with six grandchildren: Stephen Golis (Ashley Sampson), Phyllis Szabo (Jarrett), Dominic DeLaRosa (Marisa Conaway), Brian Faust, Aiden Faust, and Gianna DeLaRosa. She is also survived by four great-grandsons—Harrison, Bennett, Elliott, and William Szabo—as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Rae was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Peter Cannizzaro, and her parents, Philomenia and Angelo Cerciello. After relocating to Sun City, SC, in 2004, Peter and Rae cultivated deep friendships, many of whom became like family. These friends offered Rae unwavering support following Peter’s passing in 2013 and continue to provide comfort to her children and grandchildren.

A Mass will be held in her memory on October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Bluffton. All who knew and cherished Rae are invited to attend and honor her life. Her legacy endures in the hearts of those she touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice in Rae’s honor are respectfully requested.