In Loving Memory of Rose Y. Rossi: A Life of Faith, Family, and Service Spanning Over a Century

ZELIENOPLE, PA – With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well lived, the family and friends of Rose Y. Rossi announce her peaceful passing on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Passavant Community in Zelienople. At 102 years old, Rose departed this life in the comfort of her faith and surrounded by love, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of devotion, resilience, and compassion.

Born on October 3, 1922, in McComas, West Virginia, Rose was the cherished daughter of the late Alphonso and Chlorinda (Marinucci) Giacobbi. Her journey from a coal town in West Virginia to a vibrant life in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania began when her family relocated when she was just six years old — a move that would root Rose in a community she called home for nearly a century.

Rose graduated with honors from Lincoln High School in the Class of 1941. A diligent and detail-oriented worker, she began her career at Aetna Standard Engineering (later Blaw Knox), where she contributed significantly to the payroll department from 1942 until 1951. She later returned to serve in the engineering division as a stenographer from 1969 until her retirement in 1985. Her dedication and professionalism were a reflection of her unwavering work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Throughout her life, Rose was a devout member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church, where her presence was a blessing to the congregation. She actively participated in parish life as a member of the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers, the Golden Agers, and the Corona D’Italia Lodge 807. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she carried it with quiet strength and deep conviction.

Rose was the heart and soul of her family — a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy came from gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories, laughter, and, always, a delicious meal. She leaves behind her beloved daughter Mary (Dean) Ference of Cranberry Township; grandchildren Rosalie Rossi and Kathleen (David) Tyler of Texas, Kevin (Erin) Ference of Evans City, and Greg Ference of Pittsburgh; and great-grandchildren Ryan Tyler, Addie Ference, and Nathan Ference. Her legacy also lives on in the many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were fortunate to share in her warmth and wisdom.

Rose is now reunited with her late husband of 58 years, Ernest A. Rossi, whom she married on July 15, 1944. Together, they created a life built on love, faith, and family. Their honeymoon at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio became the start of a treasured family tradition — generations of Rossi relatives would return there to make lasting memories. She was also preceded in death by her beloved son, Dennis Rossi; daughter-in-law, Peggi Gilmore-Rossi; her parents; stepfather Angelo Grenga; and her sisters Josephine (Frank) DeCaria, Inese (James) Bellissimo, Helen (Angelo) Lordi, and Florence (Joseph) Folino.

Visitation for Rose Y. Rossi will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home & Crematory. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church, with Father Joseph Freedy officiating. Members of the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers are kindly asked to gather in the back of the church at 10:50 a.m. to form an honor guard in tribute. Rose will be laid to rest at the Resurrection Mausoleum at Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rose’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause she held dear, at stjude.org/donate.

The Rossi family extends their heartfelt thanks to the Passavant Retirement Community for the compassionate and attentive care provided to Rose in her final years. Their kindness and support offered comfort and peace during a sacred chapter of her long and beautiful life.

As the community says goodbye to Rose Y. Rossi, we remember a woman who exemplified grace, kindness, faith, and fierce love for those around her. Her presence touched countless lives and her memory will be cherished for generations to come.