Rosemary McCarthy

May 10, 1935 - March 11, 2025

Rosemary McCarthy nee Vitrano, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 11, 2025 just 60 days shy of her 90th birthday. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, Rosemary touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a vibrant, loving woman known for a keen sense of humor.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Rosemary (Rosie) dedicated her life to her family and all those around her. Rosie was the youngest of eleven children. She attended St. Rita’s Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln High School in Milwaukee. In 1955 she married the love of her life, Emmet G. McCarthy.

Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit were evident in all she did. Rosie worked for over 39 years as a waitress for her sister and brother-in-law’s restaurant, DeMarinis Pizza in Bay View. Everyone at the restaurant adored her. Rosie loved professional sports, especially baseball. The Milwaukee Brewers and the Arizona Diamondbacks were her favorites teams and she looked forward to watching all the games.

Rosie is preceded in death by her husband, Emmet, her parents and her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her children; Sharon (Gary) Grambow, Emmet J. McCarthy, grandchildren; Christina (Kate) Friedl and James (Nicole) Friedl, and great-grandchildren; Dylan, Hunter, Riley, Ethan, Noah, Genevieve, Caitlin, Gianna and Emmet, and many nieces and nephews who will continue to honor her legacy of love and compassion.

Rosie had an incredibly special friendship with Sharon Wargin that endured for over 50 years, up to the day of her death. Sharon’s kindness, compassion, and love for Rosie will always be remembered and cherished by her family.

In 2021, Rosie relocated to Arizona to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Although she missed her Milwaukee family and friends, especially nieces, Angela, Antoinette, Rosemary, Josephine, and Ronaelle, she was grateful to spend the last four years with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly called her “GG”.

A memorial service with luncheon to follow will be held at American Lutheran Church of Sun City on May 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate Rosie's life, her 90th birthday and the countless ways she enriched our lives. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sun Health Grandview Terrace Assisted Living or Hospice of the West, whose care and compassion were a blessing to Rosie and her family.

Rosemary McCarthy's warmth, wisdom, and love will forever be with us, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.

American Lutheran Church of Sun City

17200 North Del Webb Blvd.

Sun City, Arizona 85373