ROTTERDAM: Robena Carla DeMatteo passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 1, 2026, at Albany Medical Center, following a brief but fierce battle with illness. She was with her son, Sean, in her final moments

Known to family and friends as Bean or Beanie, Robena was born November 1, 1952, in Newburgh, New York, to S. Charles and Robena DeMatteo. She moved with her family to Schenectady, where she graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1970, and went on to attend Russell Sage College in Troy, New York

An accomplished entrepreneur, Robena founded DeMatteo Associates as an Executive Recruiter before later opening Trumpet Hill Fine Yarns & Accents in Albany, blending her business acumen with her lifelong love and mastery of the art of knitting. She most recently served as office manager at Memory Gardens Cemetery & Memorial Park in Albany, where she worked until two months before her passing.

Robena was a devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by her brother Carl (Sharon); her sons Sean (Carla) and Ryan (Julie); her niece Ava; and her beloved grandchildren Riannyn, Chloe, Kendahl, and Charlie, all of whom she loved deeply.

A Celebration of Life gathering will happen at Memory Gardens in the near future.

Condolence messages may be left at www.gleasonfuneralhomeinc.com