Rose Marie Hospodor

Rose Marie was a resident of Goodyear, AZ, and maintained strong ties to her home in Sedona, AZ, and New Jersey.  She was born in PA, and grew up in Endicott, NY.  She was a graduate of Union Endicott High School Class of 1954, and earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the State University of New York at Geneseo (then known as Geneseo State Teachers College), Class of 1958.

Throughout her life, Rose Marie was politically active in the Democratic Party in both AZ and NJ, serving as a local committeewoman, party organizer and even as an elected

official.  She served on the Cherry Hill, NJ Township Council from 1975-1977.  She wrote for Family Circle magazine during the 1970’s, bringing attention to falling SAT scores and their significance and placed a strong emphasis on quality education.  In 1977, she moved to Newton, MA with her husband and three children. There she began her career as a Human Resource manager, which she continued until the 1990’s after moving to Riva, MD.  She enjoyed the beauty of the Jersey Shore and spent her summers on Long Beach Island, and later, in Elberon, NJ with her family.

Upon her arrival in AZ in 1997, after her husband’s death, Rose Marie took up the task of organizing local democrats in Sedona, AZ.  She will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her high moral standards, and her willingness to put the needs of others before her own. To that, she was a regular volunteer at a thrift store which benefitted a Sedona, AZ battered women shelter.  She was also an active member in the Sedona chapter of the League of Women Voters.

Rose Marie was a loving grandmother to Celeste, Frank, Rose Marie, Joseph Ross, and Andrew William. She leaves behind sons Andrew David and Peter Joseph, and daughter Sarah (Pallone).  Her philanthropic legacy carries on through her children and grandchildren, whom she inspired by her kind thoughts and deeds.

Along with her grown children, and grand children, surviving Rose Marie Hospodor are sisters Dorothea Schifano and Patricia Rella; brother, Joseph Pitarra; sisters-in-law Carolyn Pitarra; Eleanor  Conti; Juliana Hospodor; Linda Hospodor; brothers-in-law Angelo Rella ; Salvatore Schifano; Robert Conti; David Hospodor; and Robert Hospodor; son-in-law Frank Pallone, Jr.; daughter-in-law Dolores Crosby. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.  Rose Marie was blessed with a large and very close family, and many dear friends who will join in celebrating her life.

In the spirit of Rose Marie Hospodor’s giving nature, the family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your favorite charity.