Rose Mary Comitta

Beloved matriarch, Rose Mary Comitta, age 97, died on December 10th at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC. Rose leaves behind a legacy of love that includes devoted children: Ann Marie and Bob Calabria, Carolyn and Tom Comitta, Jr. and Bill Brashers; cherished grandchildren: Gina Kirkland, Kirk Kirkland, Laura and Joe Maxim, Sarah and Brent Calabria, Brett Brashers, Daya and Tom Comitta, III, Anne and Gary Ragusin, Justin, Christie Brashers and Kyle Brashers; adored great-grandchildren, Coley, Mimi and Kate Kirkland, Jack and Archie Brashers, Julianna Rose and Byron Maxim and Lia Ragusin; Rose also had much-loved siblings, Frances Gebhart, Nick Santoleri and Theresa and Dave Lee and Sister-in-laws, Betty Santoleri and Louise Santoleri; treasured friends, to include Hardy Thompson; and a host of nieces, nephews and other loved ones. Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Comitta, Sr., daughter Gloria Brashers, as well as her great-grandchild, Baby Calabria, her parents, Emidio and Maria Santoleri; and her siblings, Joseph, Albert, Mead, Aldelaide and Lynnette Santoleri, Jack Gebhart, Rose and Wilson Varga, Frances Baron. Rose was born on April 3, 1921 in Italy, came to the USA with her father and mother at the age of 7 and lived on Dagit Street, Philadelphia, PA until her father moved to Gladwyne, where her father Emidio and mother Maria Santoleri was the groundkeeper and she was later married to her husband Thomas Comitta on the grounds of the 16 acre Estate known as Skylands. Rose took care of her six siblings, managed to proudly earn her diploma at West Catholic High School in 1940 and worked numerous jobs to include the Auto Car and became known as "Rosie the Riveter" during WWII. She had a work ethic few could match, often juggling multiple jobs at once but always smiled, laughed easily, and transmitted a joy that was palpable. Rose lived life with a gratitude recognizing that so much of life is a graced gift from God, she became the best at what she did. Never allowing the struggle of low wages to dim her light, she stressed the importance of an education for her children and grandchildren. Rose had a fun and creative side. She discovered her style and artistry through sewing, decorating with Home Interiors & Gifts, floral arranging, painting and designing jewelry. Sewing bridal, bridesmaids and prom gowns became her signature. Rose loved to travel with family members on cruises, went to Italy and Germany several times and was always ready to go wherever she was invited. No one was a stranger to Rose. She valued human connections more than material things or money by charming everyone who crossed her path and made them feel loved like a member of her family. She remembered birthdays and made holidays special. Her legacy can be found in the rich relationships she spent a lifetime building and the seeds of kindness she planted along the way. Rose will be greatly missed by family, friends, and communities as diverse as Italy, Philadelphia and West Chester, PA, Fayetteville, Morrisville and Raleigh, NC, where she left an indelible mark of kindness and care. Rose loved deeply and will be missed by all.

Rose Mary Comitta

April 3, 2018 - December 10, 2018