Rose Mary Montalto

Rose Mary Montalto, age 100, a longtime resident of Columbus, OH and formerly Newark, OH, passed away in her sleep on July 27, 2025 at Abbington Assisted Living of Arlington in Columbus. She was born May 5, 1925 in Columbus, OH to Italian immigrant parents, Alfio and Felicita (Rossitto) Sgandurra.

Rose graduated from Central High School in Columbus, OH and attended The Ohio State University.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, sister Vincenza Phillips, brothers Frank and Charles Sgandurra, and former husband, Paul N. Montalto, MD.

In earlier years residing in Newark, Rose dedicated herself to her family. She kept very busy raising four active children with hectic schedules, taking meticulous care of the house, and preparing homemade meals.

While in Columbus, Rose pursued her passion for dance at the Gillie Community Senior Center. Rose was a longtime member of the dance troupe, Gillie's Guys and Gals, which performed all around the Columbus area. Rose also enjoyed basket weaving classes at Gillie's and completed a wide variety of them. Many were awarded ribbons in their design and construction. Afterwards, Rose gave many away to family and friends. Rose also served as a volunteer at Gillie's to support decorations for events.

Rose was an avid gardener and each spring she planted flowers and tended to her vegetable garden. Houseplants thrived under her care. Sewing and crafting were lifetime hobbies for Rose. She crafted beautiful home furnishings and décor and gifted many to her family. Her sewing talents were evident in the many outfits she designed or modified. At times, Rose would purchase a garment and then skillfully change the neckline, the sleeves, or add embellishments to her liking. She was a terrific cook and frequently clipped recipes from the Columbus Dispatch and would then pencil in edits to the recipe to enhance the finished product. After trying a recipe that she liked, Rose would write "good" beside the recipe and then share with the family. Rose was energetic and always appeared younger than her years. Rose had a lovely smile that was always warm and welcoming to friends and family.

Rose was a parishioner of Saint Anthony Church in the Catholic Diocese of Columbus, Ohio.

Rose is survived by her loving children: Dr. Norman (Debbie) Montalto, Beth (Mason) Swick, Drs. Michael (Catherine) Montalto, and Ria (Cal) Howard; grandchildren: Alice (Brandon) Dawson, Megan (Donnie)

Lambert, Mary (Austin) Garcia, and Anne (Matthew) Altendorf, great grandchildren: Zoey and Weston Keaton, Lonnie Lambert VI, and Tyler Garcia. She is also survived by nieces and nephews and was especially close to Linda (Ken McFarland), Marie, and nephews, Charles (Nikki) and Frank Sgandura, Jr.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the care of Rose at Abbington Assisted Living of Arlington and Capital City Hospice. Rose had excellent care and the family benefited from knowing that every need was addressed with compassion and respect.

Visitation will be held 10:00-11:00 AM on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 at Schoedinger Northwest Funeral Home, 1740 Zollinger Rd., Columbus, OH 43221.

A graveside service will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, 6440 South High Street, Lockbourne, OH 43137 with a Catholic Rite of Committal at the graveside. With special thanks to Reverend Monsignor Stephan J. Moloney, pastor, Saint Andrew Parish in Columbus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Gillie Community Senior Center, Care of Monique Mapp, Center Manager, 4625 Morse Center Drive, Columbus, OH 43229