Rosemary Theresa Borgaro

Rosemary T. Borgaro, passed away on Thursday, March 21st in Westwood, New Jersey. Rosemary was born in New York City, New York and was the daughter of the late Lucille and Rocco Ermilio. Rosemary’s life encompassed 94 years and was a celebration from beginning to end. Rosemary was a resident of River Vale, New Jersey for over 25 years and previously lived in Washington Township for 41 years. Rosemary is survived by five children - Dave Borgaro (Vicki) of Arizona, Tom Borgaro (Janette) of Ridgewood, New Jersey, Linda DeCicco of Newburgh, New York, Sue Borgaro (Lee) of Arizona, and Nancy White (Dan) of Maine and the late Stephen Borgaro. In addition, Rosemary is survived by many loving relatives including her brother Robert Ermilio, her sisters-in-law Joyce Ermilio, Annette Topilow and Dorothy Ermilio. Rosemary was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph.

In addition to her loving children, Rosemary was blessed with her many Grandchildren: Keith Borgaro (Averie), Janine Borgaro (Mathew), Derek DeCicco, Michael DeCicco (Mary), Nicole Stafford (Jonathan); as well as her Great Grandchildren: Vincent, Juliana, Lucia, Elijah, Arielle, Mikayla, and Gracie; Nieces Gina (Mike), Joanne, Lisa; Nephews Robert and Johnny Ermilio, Late Niece Denise, and Great Nephews Sean and Kyle and Great Niece Lila and Julia.

Rosemary had many talents, chiefly among them was her love of interior design and zeal for style. Rosemary’s first job employed these talents at a New York City Woolworth store, enabling her to stylize beautiful store windows. Then, she moved to an engineering firm for several years in lower Manhattan commuting from New Jersey. Rosemary balanced her motherly responsibilities while raising her six children, later re-entering the workforce joining Furniture Americana as an office manager and bookkeeper for over 25 years. After her retirement, she shared her talents with countless people as she served as a volunteer at the Friends of the River Vale Library where she coordinated numerous community events for nearly 20 years.

From a young age, Rosemary had a love and gift for music and sang her way into the Sweet Adelines National Tournament where she and her friends were crowned champions. She was known for her generosity while gathering family and friends, delighting them with her spectacular cooking. Rosemary was a great neighbor and hosted many friendly events at the house. These events ran the gamut from a simple meal to elegant, meticulous and detailed celebrations.

Regardless of the challenge or joy each day presented to her, she lived her life to the fullest, always punctuated with a beautiful smile, a generous heart all the while singing to round out her day. She will most be remembered and missed for her love of family at the center of her life and her sense of humor. In the most classic sense, she was an American patriot who appreciated the fruits and gifts of the American way of life that her Country provided.

Rosemary will forever be remembered in the hearts of her family, her friends and all who knew her. May she find peace and solitude in God's embrace.

A funeral service is planned at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church(OLGC) in Washington Township, NJ on April 20th at 10:30am; followed by a celebration of life luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to River Vale Volunteer Fire Department, 330 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ 07675 or Friends of the Library at The River Vale Free Public Library 412 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ 07675.