Rose C Montanelli

Rose C. Montanelli (Rizio), 99, of East Hanover, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2023.

At the age of 99, Rose was still making a pot of soup from scratch and frying her meatballs, when her Dr. asked her what her secret was, her reply was “I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, and I don’t whore around”.  

Rose watched the Catholic Mass every day and said the rosary three times a day starting at 2:00am, she had a deep faith in her religion and prayed for everyone, whenever anyone had a headache they would call and say, “can you please do the “eyes” for me” and it was always, yes of course. During her time at Brookdale Senior Living, she developed a close bond with a few of the Aides on staff who would come in daily and pray with her.

She had a remarkable intuition; she would know things before you even said a word.    Rose was an avid reader, loved her word finds and waited each week for the Italian Tribune to arrive.  She wrote in her journals everyday of what her day consisted of; food, phone calls, visitors, time she got up, you name it she wrote it.  She enjoyed reading about politics and was the Republican District Leader in North Newark in the 70’s, she would watch Fox News on TV just to annoy her daughter, so they could have a political debate.

She adored her granddaughter Lauren and her husband James, James scored a lot of points with Nanny by showing her the engagement ring first, that meant so much to her.    She would love getting visits from Jeter and Bailey the shepherds.  Her nieces Karen, Trina and Christina would call her frequently.    She would often say after the call from Karen, I need a nap after that call, she talks too much, it was usually a very long call.  She never forgot anyone’s birthday, anniversary, or special occasion; her cards were the ones you would receive first, and remembered when you didn’t send her a card as well, we all heard about it.   She loved all the cards, gifts, and flowers she received when she moved into Brookdale this July and had them proudly displayed on her wall, the staff would tell her she was the most popular with visitors and guest.

Devoted mother of Cristine Pucciarello and her husband Larry.  Cherished grandmother of Lauren Pucciarello and her husband James Robertson, devoted Aunt to her nieces and nephews.

Rose was pre-deceased by her husband Benedict, her son Anthony, and her siblings Ann Dixon, Vincent Rizio and Joseph Rizio.

The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, 10am, at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover, followed by the burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in E. Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rose’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or a charity of your choice see donation box below for details… 

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