Obituary of Cecelia P. Dexter

Cecelia Priscilla Dexter, 96, of Cortland, NY passed away peacfully on June 21, 2022. She was born on June 29, 1925 in West Virginia to Anthony and Theresa Quattro Petrella. Her family moved to Cortland NY where she graduated from St. Mary’s School. She later married Vernon Dexter in 1948, a union that lasted for 50 years. Cecelia retired from Cortland City School District after many years of service. Cecelia is survived by her children, Theresa (Royal) Phillips, Sharon (Steven) Bilodeau, and Robert (Chris) Dexter. She also survived by her grandchildren, Kimberly (Eamon) Spiegel, Theresa (Wendell) Covell, Kurt (Heidi) Phillips, Jennifer Parsons, Abbigail (Michael) Hatfield, and Joe Dexter. She is also survived by her many great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Vernon in 1998, and her siblings, Sue Yacavone, Ivan Petrella, Guido Petrella, Louis Petrella, Joseph Petrella, Joseph Salvatore Petrella, Annabelle Yacavone, Adeline Yacavone, and Irene Ricotilli. She was also predeceased by her great-granddaughter Makayla. Thank you to the wonderful caregivers that went into her home and took such wonderful and loving care of our mother and to the nurses and staff at Cortland Park who cared for CeCe. A prayer service will take place for immediate family at Wright-Beard Funeral Home. Graveside services will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Hospice Care, 1 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland, NY 13045. To offer online condolences, please visit www.wright-beard.com