Rose Ann Cusano (DiSalvatore)

Rose Ann (DiSalvatore) Cusano, 89, of West Hartford, beloved wife of the late Joseph ""Ozzie"" Cusano, Sr., died peacefully, Saturday, (December 3, 2011) with her devoted family by her bedside. She was born August 2, 1922, in Hartford and was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary (DelVecchio) Di Salvatore. Rose resided in West Hartford for over 50 years and summered in Old Saybrook. Rose was a member of Music and Arts, The West Hartford Dames, and Boys Town of Italy. Always modern and fashionable, when Rose stepped out of the house she was perfectly pressed from head to toe. Her signature look included a beautiful dress, just the right jewelry, designer pumps, and Chanel No. 5. In addition to having a great sense of style, she was also an excellent cook. She had many special dishes, but the family favorites were her soups and walnut spaghetti. Visitors never left her house without having a delicious meal and a cup of coffee. A trip to the casino brought out her lucky side, and the sound of the clinking coins thrilled her. Rose was at her happiest when she was surrounded by her family and would light up when she spoke of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Like her name, she was beautiful, elegant and beloved. She is survived by her children, son, Joseph F. Cusano, Jr. and his wife Charlene of Haddam, daughter, Elaine Gousse and her husband, Gregory of South Glastonbury, and son, Dean Cusano of Farmington; her grandchildren, Terri and Joseph Cusano III, Bryan, Kevin, and Karen Gousse, and Amber Belsito; and her great-grandchildren Riley and Zachary Gousse, Drea Cusano, and Mia Belsito. She is also survived by her sister, Ann Lise of Clinton, and several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by a brother, Alexander DiSalvatore, and a sister, Rae Botticello.

At Rose's request, the funeral and burial will be private. There will not be any calling hours. Donations in Rose's memory may be made to Dress for Success-Hartford, a non-profit organization that provides women with professional attire and career development tools to help them thrive both in work and in life: Dress for Success, Hartford, P.O. Box 2343, Hartford, CT 06146-2343. Funeral arrangements are by the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel. For online expressions of sympathy please visit www.desopo.com.