Obituary

Rosa Ragone, beloved mother, Nonna and great grandmother, passed away

peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, August 13, at the age

of 98.

Daughter of Francesca and Pietro Furio, Rosa was born October 15, 1924 in

Mola di Bari, a small coastal town in Southern Italy. Rosa was the middle

child in a family of three children, and was predeceased by her older sister

Francesa and younger brother Francesco.

She met her husband, Alfredo, following his return to Italy after serving in

the Italian army in World War II and his discharge from a German

concentration camp. Rosa and Alfredo were married in Mola on February

18, 1950. Alfredo passed away in 1990.

In August 1955, Rosa, Alfredo and their two eldest children (Maria and

John) bravely boarded the USS Constitution to immigrate to the United

States of America. They settled on 69th Street in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

where they lived until moving to Staten Island in 1983. Rosa was incredibly

proud of her immigrant journey and her Italian heritage.

Rosa was known for being the ultimate hostess, always ensuring all of her

guests were well-fed. No special occasion passed without her famous,

sought after focaccia. She had many hobbies. She loved to visit casinos, and

took many trips to Atlantic City. She loved to cook, do embroidery, paint

and crochet.

Rosa’s greatest pride and joy was her family who truly adored her. She

maintained a captive audience, with her loved ones always gathering

around her for her infamous words of wisdom and tales from Italy. She was

known for her incredible strength, kindness and grace.

Rosa is survived by: her four children, Maria Allegretti, John Ragone, Peter

Ragone and Nicholas Ragone, and their spouses, Suzanne Ragone, Susann

Ragone and Marie Ragone; her grandchildren, Gina Allegretti, Rosette

Allegretti, Rosanne Mottola, Alfred Joseph Ragone, Alfred Anthony Ragone,

Christina Ragone, Kathleen Ragone and Nicole Cohen, and their spouses

Thomas Mottola, Michelle Ragone and Daniel Cohen; and her great

grandchildren, Ryan and Abigail Mottola

Visitation will take place at Hanley Funeral Home, on August 15, from 4-8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will take St Ann's R.C. Church. Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rosa Ragone's memory to St. Jude's Children's research Hospital.

Hanley Funeral Home

60 New Dorp Lane

Staten Island, N.Y. 10306

(718) 351-1800