Rosemarie Gennaro-Fileccia passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, strength, and love. At the heart of Rosa’s life was her family. She was the devoted mother of four children and the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. The family she raised was among her greatest accomplishments, and her presence will forever be felt in the traditions, stories, laughter, and love she leaves behind.

Born to Italian immigrant parents, Rosa grew up in Mineola, New York, as one of four siblings alongside her brothers, Jerry and Neil, and her sister, Marianne, who preceded her in death. Her family owned an Italian deli, where Rosa spent much of her childhood working alongside them. Those early years helped shape the strong work ethic, resilience, and devotion to family that would define her throughout her life.

Rosa met Ron Gennaro when they were teenagers. They grew up together, and what began as a young love became the great love story of her life. She married Ron at the age of 19, and together they built a family and a life until his untimely passing from cancer at just 43 years old. Their years together and the love they shared remained an important part of Rosa’s story throughout her life.

After Ron’s passing, Rosa devoted herself to her children and worked tirelessly, often holding multiple jobs to provide for and raise them. Much of her career was spent working in assisted living facilities, where she cared for and served individuals with disabilities with the same hardworking spirit and love she brought to everything she did.

Many years later, Rosa opened her heart to another chapter in her life. In 2011, she married Vinny Feliccia, and together they shared companionship, family, and many meaningful memories. Their marriage became another important part of Rosa’s story, bringing new experiences and relationships into her life. Through all of life’s chapters—the joyful ones and the difficult ones—Rosa remained deeply connected to the people she loved and to the family that was always at the center of her world.

She found happiness in simple things, especially those that reminded her of home and family. In her younger years, she grew large vegetable gardens and spent countless hours canning what she harvested. She especially loved growing peppers and making her own crushed red pepper—a tradition her family will undoubtedly remember whenever they gather around a table.

And there was always coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. For Rosa, a cup of coffee was more than a drink; it was part of conversation, family gatherings, mornings, afternoons, and everyday life. Those who knew her can almost certainly still hear her unmistakable Long Island accent asking for a cup of “cawfee.”

Rosa will be remembered for her strength, her deep roots in family and tradition, and the many little things that made her uniquely herself. Her life was not measured simply in years, but in the family she raised, the people she cared for, the traditions she passed down, and the memories that will continue to be told for generations.

Though her family will deeply miss her voice, her stories, her coffee, her garden, and simply having her there, Rosa’s legacy lives on in the people she loved and in the pieces of her that each of them carries forward.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor Rosa’s memory consider making a donation to United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), an organization that held special significance in her life. Rosa worked for UCP, where she dedicated her time to caring for and supporting individuals with disabilities. Donations may be made in Rosa’s memory through United Cerebral Palsy’s donation page.