Rosemary was born in Columbus, Ohio, on May 29th, 1925, to Donata Russo and May (Ernest) Ferroni. After graduating from Mifflin High School, she met the love of her life, Valentino "Tino" Skunza. They married on May 7th, 1955, and shared 63 years of marriage, family, and life.
She was a dedicated employee of the American Legion, where she held various positions and worked for the Claycraft Company, where she managed daily office duties. She retired from Claycraft in 1987 to pursue her favorite hobby – caring for her grandchildren.
Rosemary also enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for family and friends who would gather to hear her witty opinions or tales of her travels. Her innate sense of adventure fueled her attendance at the 1950 OSU Snow Bowl and her love for traveling abroad, including countless cruises to the Caribbean.
Rosemary remained a loyal resident of Gahanna, Ohio for over half a century. After Tino's passing in 2018, Rosemary continued to live independently in the home they once shared. She maintained her independence until just weeks before her death.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Valentino Skunza; her parents, Donata Russo and May (Ernest) Ferroni; and her siblings, Philip (Erin) Russo and Mary Elaine (Robert) Fout.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Daniel (Kimberly) Skunza; granddaughters, Kristen Skunza (Michael Heffelfinger) and Ashley Skunza (Heather Lucchese); siblings, Judy Hetterscheidt, Veronica (John) Armbruster; and Ernest (Gloria) Ferroni. Plus, many cousins, including her dearest Mary Teresa (Steve) Diebel, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family, including loved friends Carrie Skunca and Dolores Baker.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 15 from 5pm-7pm at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST, 1051 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230. Mass will be held the following morning at 10 AM at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Parish, 897 Havens Corners Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230. Services will conclude with interment at Mifflin Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
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