Born in South Hackensack, NJ, Rose was the daughter of the late Angelo and Antoinette (Guidice) D'Alessio. She graduated from Hackensack High School and later received her certification for tax collecting from Rutgers University—an early reflection of the dedication and steady purpose that would mark her life’s work.
Rose served her community with distinction as Tax Collector for the Township of South Hackensack, New Jersey, and also as Deputy Treasurer in South Hackensack. In these roles, she was known for her devoted service and the care she brought to responsibilities that touched many lives.
Rose is survived by her loving daughters, Patricia Hand and her husband Alan, and Margaret Amore and her ex husband Howard Vaccarella. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Vincent Vaccarella (Angel), Daniel Vaccarella (Kate), Devin Hand (Eri), Kristen DeVuyst (Jeff), and Nora Hand (Trent Price); and by her great grandchildren, Valentino, Carol, Marion, Christopher, and Jace. Also surviving are a host of loving nieces and nephews and extended family.
She was predeceased by her siblings: Jerry, John, Frances, Dominick "Mickey", and Virginia "Dolly".
Rose will be remembered not only for her steadfast devotion to family and community, but also for the warmth and bright humor she carried so naturally—an entertaining spirit that drew people close and left them smiling. She enjoyed singing, telling jokes, and reading, and she shared these gifts generously with others. Rose was Senior Miss New Jersey and a Senior Idol contestant. She sang in the St. Maximilian Kolbe Choir, and she sang and told jokes during intermissions of the Calendar Girls of NJ performances. She also sang in nursing homes, clubhouses, and community theatres, offering moments of joy that made her presence deeply cherished wherever she went.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 4–8 pm at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Rd., Toms River, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 12 pm at St. Maximilian Kolbe RC Church, Toms River, with interment to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Toms River.
In lieu of flowers donations in Rose's name can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org
