Rose Lally

Rose Lally peacefully departed this world on August 12, 2025, at the age of 93, reuniting with her favorite singer and movie buddy, husband Brendan. She was born June 20, 1932, in Clason Point, Bronx, NY, to Helen Troccoli and Peter Romano.

She left us in the same way she lived: on her own terms, surrounded by her loving family, and undoubtedly with a great hat.

Rose's life was a tapestry of wisdom, humor, and a touch of mischief. She was a woman of strong opinions, often reminding us, "I lived to be 93 years old because I didn't listen to what other people thought was best for me." And thank goodness for that.

Her love of hats was legendary, not just for fashion, but for practicality. "Wear a hat because it will help your friends recognize you quickly," she'd say, and it wasn't bad advice. Her practical soul and poetic heart were always in harmony. She believed every child

should have a puppy, "Someone has to eat the vegetables". She felt the best way to live was to "Do everything with an open heart; if you are thanked, wonderful; if not, move forward."

She adored the simple pleasures: a hot cup of coffee on a cold day, a cold Manhattan Special on ice when it was warm, and the hum of family life around her. Her home was the heartbeat of the family. Filled with good food, good advice, and good stories (some of which she might've exaggerated, but only for dramatic effect).

Rose was fearlessly independent. She moved through life with strength, sharp wit, and a deep, unwavering love for her family. She was our compass, our storyteller, our encourager- in-chief. She taught us that life is best lived with humor, honesty, and a well-organized tag sale: "Don't throw anything away, have a tag sale."

She is survived by her daughter Pamela (Gian) Portanova, grandchildren Nicholas, Olivia, Joseph, Michael, Roxxy (puppy) Portanova, and a circle of extended family and friends who

were lucky enough to know her. Her legacy lives in every one of her beautifully crocheted blankets, stylish hats, cups of coffee, kind acts done quietly, and family gatherings where her words will still echo in our hearts.

In her honor, take fashion risks, drink your coffee exactly how you like it, finally have that tag sale you've been putting off, and don't ever let someone else tell you how to live your life.

Rose (Nana), thank you for everything. We’ll take it from here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcxZlyJM_hA