Rosan C. Mitola

1924-2023

On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, Rosan Claire Mitola, devoted wife and mother of three, passed away at age ninety-eight (eight days away from turning ninety-nine). Rosan was raised in Orange, New Jersey, and lived much of her life in Caldwell and West Orange. She loved working at her job of many years at Mason and Keller in Roseland. A gentle soul with the biggest heart, Rosan truly enjoyed caring for family and friends. As a teenager, she took on the role of mom when her mother passed away, leaving behind her, her dad, and younger twin sisters.

Rosan was loved by many, known for her generous spirit and concern for others. She enjoyed crocheting, music, writing cards to loved ones, savoring black licorice (actually, all sweets), reading the newspaper and magazines, telling stories about her childhood, and talking about the love of her life, Nicholas. Rosan’s family might have teased her about her worrying all the time (she definitely thought about the worst-case scenarios), or her love of flashlights and other safety gadgets, but they were grateful to know they were always on her mind. They also appreciated her love of “shifts” (her clothing of choice in hot weather) — if you know, you know.

Rosan met Nick, her husband of over 68 years, in the neighborhood, and aside from Nick’s service in the Navy, they rarely spent any time apart. Until Nick passed away in 2015, Rosan was an attentive wife who loved making her husband spaghetti and escarole salad, and spending the winter with him in Florida. She raised three children and helped raise her grandchildren, and taught them to be kind like her. Rosan was funny, curious, thoughtful, and often liked to (politely) give directions. She was known as the “Mayor” at Daughters of Israel, where she lived for the last eight years.

Rosan was grateful for every day she had on this earth with her family, friends, and neighbors. Left with many years of happy memories are her sons Nicholas and Dennis, daughter Noreen, and grandchildren, Rosan, Lauren, Kimberlee, Colette, Candace, and Dennis Jr. The family is forever grateful to the wonderful staff of Daughters of Israel for providing their mother and grandmother with the means to have an active and happy life there. A celebration of Rosan’s life will take place at Saint Philomena Church in Livingston, New Jersey, on July, 5, 2023, at 11:00 AM. Until then, the family encourages you to have a Good & Plenty candy or put on a shift in Rosan’s honor. With our love, the Mitola’s and the Keene’s.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosan’s name may be made to Daughters of Israel, 1155 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052.