Rose Mercadante

away at home December 23, 2015. Born March 25, 1937 in Elizabeth, NJ. Lived in the

Oranges, Essex County until 1999, then moved to Manahawkin.

Rose attended Orange High School, class of 1955. Married Gerard Kelly of East

Orange until his death in 1981. Married Richard T. Mercadante of South Orange in

1992. Worked with American Cancer Society. Served as Essex County Committee

Woman for 10 years. Retired Essex County Board of Taxation, 1995. Director of

Stafford Township Founder's Day, Miss Stafford Committee. Rose had a certified image

consultant business and volunteered at Ken's Kitchen at St Mary's Parish in

Manahawkin.

In Rose's words: "It's been a wonderful journey! Trips with my beloved husband, my

hero. Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Alaska, Caribbean, California, Lake Tahoe. Blessed with

wonderful husband, sons, daughters and all their spouse, grandchildren and great

grandchildren, and all their love. I will always be with you."

She is survived by her husband, Richard T. Mercadante, son Kevin Kelly and his wife

Eileen with their children Elizabeth, Kellie, Laura and Joseph; her step-children Lori and

Sean Murphy, Zorica and Rick Mercadante, Liz and Jamie Larson; grandchildren Ian,

Nicholas, Sofia, Daniella and Terra along with 7 great grand-children.

Friends and family may call Monday December 28th from 3:00 to 7:00 pm and Tuesday

from 9:00 to 10:00 am at Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Drive, Manahawkin,

NJ. A mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 29th at 11:00 am at St. Mary of

the Pines, Manahawkin, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rose's name

to Holy Redeemer Hospice Toms River, Make a Wish Foundation and/or Wounded

Warrior Program. Internment will follow at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be

announced.

For online condolences, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com