Rosa F. Zanotelli

With profound love and deep sorrow, we share the passing of Rose Zanotelli, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose love and caring were felt by all who knew her. Rose passed away surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of faith, generosity, devotion, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Rose was the beloved wife of Julius Zanotelli, the love of her life for more than 60 years, who preceded her in death in 2019. Together they built a life rich in love, laughter, and family. She is survived by her son John (Doreen), and daughter Marie. Rose joins her daughter Lisa, in eternal peace after Lisa’s passing on October 16, 2025.

She was the loving and proud grandmother of Amanda Gregory (Anthony), Julia Zanotelli (Dan Lato), Olivia Speranzella (Nick), and Lauren Zanotelli (Nick Lankard). Her heart grew even fuller with the arrival of her great-grandchildren, Cooper and Charlotte Gregory, who brought her endless joy. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Iola Prusi (Al), with whom she shared a lifetime of sisterly love, and by countless nieces, nephews, and extended family who knew her affectionately as Aunt Rose—a title she held with pride and warmth.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Rose carried the spirit of her childhood neighborhood with her throughout her life—strong, steady, faithful, and full of heart. She married Julius, and together they built a beautiful family life in Ozone Park, Queens, and later Woodbury, Long Island. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She served her community with compassion and dedication, volunteering at the New York Foundling for many years and for more than 35 years in the office at Hospice Care Network.

Rose’s creativity knew no bounds. A perfectionist in every craft she touched, she spent countless hours creating pinecone wreaths for Christmas, beaded flower centerpieces for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, crocheted blankets for those in need, intricate needlepoint, and so much more. Her hands were never still, and her works of art—made with love, intention, and remarkable skill—brought joy to many.

She was also an extraordinary cook whose kitchen was the heart of the home. Rose treasured preparing large holiday meals, a tradition lovingly carried on by her children and granddaughters. Nothing delighted her more than having her granddaughters at her side, learning recipes, sharing stories, and creating memories. With a rare ability to merge art and food, she crafted beautiful and delicious appetizer displays for cocktail parties—edible masterpieces that were as stunning as they were loved.

Rose and Julius shared a wonderful life together, traveling the country for USS Pittsburgh reunions, spending time with Local 3 retirees on Long Island, and visiting Chicago to cheer on their granddaughters at skating and cheer competitions as well as attending graduations and high school musicals. Those trips brought them immeasurable joy and pride—moments they cherished deeply.

Above all, Rose will be remembered for her radiant smile, her sparkling green eyes, her boundless generosity, and the great love story she lived with Julius. Her life was a testament to devotion—devotion to faith, to family, and to the countless people fortunate enough to have known her.

Her legacy will live on in her children, her granddaughters and her great-grandchildren. Her spirit will continue to live on in the lives she touched, the traditions she nurtured, and the love she gave so freely. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered with love.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Edward the Confessor Roman Catholic Church, located at 205 Jackson Ave, Syosset, NY 11791, on November 20, 2025, from 11:00 am to 11:45 am.

Interment will take place at Calverton National Cemetery, Wading River, NY 11792, on November 20, 2025, at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Hospice Care Network, https://support.northwell.edu/hospice