Obituary of Rose Giovaniello

Rose Giovaniello passed away at home on August 23, 2016 at the age of 86. She was born in Manhattan on January 6, 1930, the 10th of 11 children of Italian immigrants Antonio and Caterina (nee Paolella). Her father passed away when she was 6. She left school – as was common in the 1940s – after 7th grade so she could work, and did so, at Echenreich Bros' dungaree factory in Nassau County. After 20 years she moved on to Nikon in Garden City, retiring as Manager of Quality Control in 1995 after 30 years with the company. Rosie never married, instead living for many years with her sister Ida and brother-in-law Jim Corey, and helping to raise their children – Linda and "Jim-Jim" – while maintaining her own rich social and family life. When Ida and Jim passed away in the mid-80's, Rosie, then 56 years old, learned to drive, bought her first car, and for the very first time lived alone, residing in New Hyde Park until her death. She enjoyed music spanning the decades from the 1940s to the 1960s (Engelbert Humperdink was among her favorites!), and loved watching old programs and movies in her retirement. Rosie's spirit lived up to her name! She maintained a sunny disposition throughout her life, and that was accompanied by a beaming smile. Enjoying good health into her early 80s, she finally stopped driving, and battled cancer in recent years, several times coming back from surgeries and rehab to live independently. Rosie was pre-deceased by both of her parents, 8 of her siblings, including Ida, as well as her beloved Linda and Jim-Jim. She is survived by her brother, Joe (whom she called "Joey" till the day she died), her sister, Antoinette, her sisters-in-law Ann, Catherine and Frances, and dozens of dear nieces and nephews spanning generations. Her family is extremely grateful to the New Hyde Park friends, neighbors, and local shopkeepers who helped her maintain her independence (Rosie spoke of you all with great affection), as well as to Eliliah and Verna, the aides who provided meticulous care to her in the last few weeks of her life, allowing her to be at home, as was her wish. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to your local Meals on Wheels, which also helped Rosie maintain her independence this year. We loved her very much. Visitation will be on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Weigand Bros Funeral Home 49 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY. Funeral Mass Saturday 9:30 am at Holy Spirit Church, New Hyde Park, NY. Interment to follow at Holy Rood Cemetery.