Obituary of Rose Rizzo

Rose Marie (DeSantis) Rizzo, 98 years young of Maybrook, NY passed peacefully into eternal Heavenly rest on March 29, 2023 with her loving daughter Susan by her side. She was born on October 4, 1924 in New York, NY to Ralph and Irene      (Di Menna) DeSantis.

Rose was raised on City Island in New York, living an adventurous childhood there, including the many summer days spent swimming with her siblings to and from High Island. She attended Saint Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School and Walton High School Bronx, NY where her studies were focused on business courses. Losing both of her treasured parents as a young teen, she and her siblings learned valuable lessons of independence and strength of character early in life. Even until she drew her last breath, she faced every challenge with courage and grace. As a teen and young adult, she put her astute mathematical skills to work as a successful bookkeeper for several notable Manhattan companies.

On May 19, 1951, Rose was united in marriage with the love of her life, Angelo Rizzo, a blessed union of 45 years until his passing in 1997. They were inseparable in life and totally committed to each other, family, and faith. Now they are united eternally. She was a devout Catholic and was guided by her faith, compassion, and caring every day of her beautiful life. She was particularly devoted to Saint Joseph.

Rose's boundless stamina and curiosity fueled her passion for travel, which encompassed all 50 United States and six continents. Her daughters fondly recall the annual car trips as children to different states, and the countless museums and historical sites she had on the agenda. Among other talents and hobbies, her energy was also channeled into her graceful swimming, piano playing, tennis, and unbeatable Italian cooking. Her sense of humor and adventure made her the most popular Cadette Girl Scout Troop leader during her years of service. Her infectious laugh would set any gathering on a cheerful course. She was a lifelong fan of Joe DiMaggio and Frank Sinatra.

Rose is survived by her dear daughters Susan Rizzo of Maybrook, NY and Angela Rizzo (Sieur di Lorenzo) of Holland Patent, NY, her beloved grandchildren Melissa Rose Kim (Steve) of Ridgewood, NJ and Hannah Irene di Lorenzo (Johnny Kevorkian) of Fort Lauderdale FL, her cherished great-grandchildren Elijah, Gianluca and Jude Kim, adored brother Michael, and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her Mom and Dad, and her siblings Nicholas, Frank, Ernest, Angela, and Gloria.

Our family would like to express our deepest thanks and appreciation to each and every staff member of Putnam Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Holmes, NY) for their hard work and dedication in caring for our beloved Mother and Nana for the past 2 years. We hope and pray you will be blessed with the same love and compassion that you have shown her.

Donations may be made in Rose's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A private memorial service is planned for a future date.