Rosalie Joannou

A true family woman, Rosalie’s happiest moments were spent surrounded by those she loved most. Holidays, Sunday dinners, happy hours, Trivial Pursuit games (she was a champion!), politics, shopping in malls, outlets or ShopRite, family reunions at Woodloch Pines, vacations, and everyday visits were all treasured. She had a special way of making everyone feel at home. Her nine children, 29 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren were her heart, and she never missed an opportunity to show how much she cared for them. Rosalie did not exemplify love with expressions of flowers, cards and gifts but rather she devoted her life to all who needed her, especially her son Thomas, who suffered a brain injury almost thirty years ago. Rosalie was smart and a leader.

She taught her children that a life of devotion to Tom, did not mean her life was sacrificed, it was simply lived differently, and her family emulated her values where love and unity resonated with Tommy at its core. Her children joined Rosalie in every effort to create a better life for Tom, including building a new home for him. Rosalie and her children, joined in deep faith and prayers, walked in the direction of Tommy’s healing on a path the children are committed to continue.

Rosalie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ronald P. Joannou Sr., with whom she shared a lifetime of cherished memories. She was a loving mother to her children: Donna Kunzig (Leonard Kunzig), Ronald Joannou, Jr. (Joyce Ann), Michele Lavoro, (Ralph), Janice Seaman (Scott Seaman), Diane Stalzer (Herbert Stalzer), Robert Joannou (Danielle), Thomas Joannou, Marigrace Cirringione (Joseph Cirringione), and Claudine DeRouen (James DeRouen).

Rosalie was a proud grandmother and held a special place in the hearts of her grandchildren: Brian Kunzig (Krista), Christi Kunzig, Courtney Dibble(Sam), Christopher Joannou (Samantha), Melissa Mancuso (Andrew), Thomas Joannou (Michelle), Ralph Lavoro (Laura), Lauren Lavoro, Taylor Fortunato (Avery), Sheri Seaman, Shawn Seaman, Christa Seaman, Jesse Seaman (Nicole Sarrantonio) , Alyssa Annarella (Nicholas), Dalten Stalzer, Dean Stalzer (Maggie), Avagrace Stalzer, Jade Greco (Nicholas), Robert Joannou, Madison Joannou (Ethan Curreri), Nicolette Joannou, Joseph Joannou, Mia Cirringione, Adrianna Cirringione, Emma Cirringione, Jayden DeRouen, Michaela DeRouen, Mackenzie DeRouen, Nicholas DeRouen, as well as her great grandchildren, Lily Kunzig, Violet Kunzig, Addison Joannou, Giuliana Joannou, Aleena Joannou, Mia Mancuso, Adelynn Joannou, Viviana Joannou, Archer Annarella, Morgan Stalzer and Ruby Stalzer.

Rosalie was strong in every way. She was an advocate for life, she loved gardening, cats, dogs, reading, and was an incomparably loving mother who will be desperately missed and cherished forever.

A visitation will be held at Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes, located at 125 W Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY 11801, on October 14, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The funeral mass is scheduled for October 15, 2025, at St. Martin of Tours RC Church, located at 220 Central Ave, Bethpage, NY 11714, at 10:00 am.

The committal service will follow at Calverton National Cemetery in Wading River, NY 11792.