Rose Napolitano
11/9/2018
Rose Marie Napolitano (nee Grieco) of Warwick, NY (formerly of Greenwood Lake, NY) passed away peacefully at the Valley View Rehabilitation Center and Nursing Home, Goshen, NY surrounded by her loving nieces, on November 9, 2018, just two weeks shy of her 100th birthday.
Born in Little Italy in NYC on Thanksgiving Day 1918 to parents Nicola and Carmella Grieco, the second of eight children. She was named for her grandmother and followed her father’s directive to grow “beautiful as a flower.”
Rose worked in Macy’s and then in several brokerage firms in NYC.
She married the love of her life, Rafaele Napolitano on October 10, 1941 and they were happily married for over 50 years. They had no children, but Rose showered her love on her nieces and nephews. She rented a summer cabin in Greenwood Lake, later buying a log cabin on Birch Drive in 1963, becoming a full time resident shortly thereafter. Her home had an “Open Door Policy” – all were welcome and the plaque she kept in her kitchen said it all: “My house is small, no mansion for a millionaire, but there is room for love and room for friends, that’s all I care.”
Rose was a devout Catholic and loved the Lord her entire life. She leaves behind many writings in her “Legacy of Faith.” Her wit, spiritual wisdom, and love will be remembered and cherished by all those whose lives she touched in the 99 years she spent on this earth.
She is survived by her sister, Gloria Arlotta of New City, NY; brother, Nicholas Grieco of Staten Island, NY; nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Rose was predeceased by her beloved husband, Rafaele, four of her sisters and two of her brothers.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 15 from 3-7 p.m. at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Avenue, Warwick, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 16 at 11: 00 a.m. at St. Stephen RC Church, 75 Sanfordville Road, Warwick. Following the mass interment will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Rose’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Hudson Valley Chapter, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 203, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-4027.
Calendar of Care
At the time of funeral service we commemorate and reflect on the life
of Rose Napolitano. In the days, weeks and months ahead it will be a
comfort to family of Rose Napolitano to continue to remember a life well lived.
Please select a date on the Calendar of Care to be reminded via email to reach out and continue the caring for family of Rose.
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