Rosemary Jones

Rosemary E Jones, 94, passed away October 13, 2021 at Harrogate Rehabilitation Center. Rosemary became a resident of Harrogate in 2020 after a long residency at Renaissance, in Manchester NJ. She was born and raised in Troy NY to Raymond Henry Cunningham and Mary Estelle Cunningham (Commiskey), on May 15, 1927.

Rosemary developed an early passion for singing which included voice studies at the Emma Willard School in Troy, private lessons with Reinald Werrenrath of the New York City Metropolitan Opera, Stuart Ross and Gibner King, both vocal coaches from New York City. She was a music graduate from the College of St Rose in Albany NY. She performed and recorded in an original Greek Mass by Constantine Callincos, conductor of the New York City Opera. In 1950, at age 23, she recorded an “audition” album at Soundcraft Studios at East 52nd street in NYC. She performed in concerts at Fordham University and Carnegie Hall.

Rosemary married her high school sweetheart and they moved to Hasbrouck Heights NJ, then settling in at Scotch Plains Fanwood NJ, where they raised their three boys.

Her passion for theater and opera didn’t waiver however, as she joined many local theater and opera companies in New Jersey. She performed lead roles in the opera’s Madame Butterfly, Die Fleidermouse and La Traviata. Lead roles in musical theater plays Damn Yankees, Guys and Dolls, Once Upon a Mattress, Mikado, Brigadoon, South Pacific, Fiarello Follies, Actor’s Café Theatre, Three Penny Opera, and Carnival. She contributed and sung for charitable organizations like Cerebral Palsy, local Hospitals, churches and many benefits for theatre groups.

Rosemary’s legacy is survived by her three children, Russell F. Jones Jr., of Haymarket VA, Stewart B. Jones of Pasadena CA, and Keith B. Jones of New Egypt, NJ, three daughter in laws - Jeralyn , Arlene and Kathy, eight grandchildren – Erin, Courtney, Brett, Carter, Kimberly, Keith Jr, Christopher and Anthony, and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by Tony Barrard of Cranford NJ, her longtime boyfriend.

Ms. Jones is predeceased by her ex-husband Russell F. Jones Sr in 1988, Brother John R. Cunningham in 2005, and Sister Lucille McGrady in 2021.

Friends may call on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 5-7 pm at the D’Elia Funeral Home 1300 Vermont Ave., Lakewood, NJ 08701.

For further information or to post a tribute please visit www.deliafuneralhome.com.