Renetta C. (Cieslinski) DeSimone

Renetta C. DeSimone, 91, of New Kensington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30, 2024. She was the beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend to all who knew her.

Born on April 26, 1933, in New Kensington, Renetta was the daughter of the late Andrew and Celia (Rzeszotarski) Cieslinski. A proud graduate of Ken-Hi in 1951, Renetta went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana University of Pennsylvania). While in high school and college she was Shamrock Queen, May Queen and Campus Cover Girl - beautiful inside and out.

Her love of family and community was evident throughout her life, whether she was teaching children as a substitute teacher, or supporting her family’s business, Central Office Products.  Renetta was a lifelong member of Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church in New Kensington and took great pride in giving back to her community. She volunteered her time at Peoples Library and Citizens General Hospital, where she touched the lives of many with her warmth and generosity. A talented seamstress, she was known for her creativity and skill. Renetta also enjoyed the camaraderie of her book club friends, often followed by lunches filled with laughter and conversation.

An avid tennis player for 55 years, Renetta was a member of the Hill Crest Country Club, where she made lasting memories and friendships on and off the court.

Above all, Renetta was a devoted and loving family member. She was a proud mother to Susan DeSimone (David Little), Joseph S. DeSimone (Roberta) and Ralph A. DeSimone, and the adoring grandmother to Amanda (Zachary) Liney, Brian (Emma) Little, and David J., Daniel J., and Dustin J. DeSimone. She was also a cherished great-grandmother to Leo Liney and Hudson Little. 

She is survived by her beloved brother, Ernest A. (Sharon) Carpenter, and her niece and nephew, Meagan Carpenter (Bill McCracken) and Matthew Carpenter (Michelle) and their children Julia and Kyle McCracken and Erin and Eleanor Carpenter. Renetta was also a devoted sister-in-law to Joy DeSimone Tobin (Edwin) and her niece and nephews Mary Lynn Tobin (David Campbell), Jeff (Laura) Tobin, and David (April) Tobin and their children respectively, Christopher Campbell, Jordon and Josh Tobin, and Maxwell Tobin. 

Renetta was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Ralph DeSimone, her son, Joseph S. DeSimone, and her good friend and companion of seven years, Rod Altmeyer.
Renetta’s kindness, strength, positivity and unwavering love for her family and friends will be deeply missed. She leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and grace that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A service for close friends and family was held at Longwood at Oakmont by Fr. Ken Zaccagnini, where she had been a resident since March 2022. Renetta made new dear friends at Longwood and enjoyed their company very much.

For those who wish to donate in her memory, the family requests that donations be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Services Society, 4638 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, (412) 539-1090.

We love you mom/Renetta. You are missed. May you rest in peace.

ROSS G. WALKER was entrusted with arrangements.

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