Rose Molinari

Rose Molinari, 99 years old, was called into Eternity with her Heavenly Father on April 27, 2023. Rose was a resident of the town of Eastchester and a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish for the last 25 years. Rose was born Lina Rosa Farina to Italian immigrants, Giovanni Farina and Vittoria Ferrara on September 23,1923 in the Bronx, New York. Known as Rose to her family and friends, she was one of 9 siblings. Rose married Charles John Molinari on May 7, 1950 in St. Dominic Church in the Bronx. Charles was one of 8 siblings. Charles and his siblings and Rose’s siblings all predeceased Rose.

Rose and Charles had 3 children - Victoria Rose Molinari Ross (Thomas Joseph Ross – Deceased), Virginia Molinari Holek, and John Charles Molinari (Kristine Hanington Molinari). Rose has 5 grandchildren - Nicole Marie Molinari Tobon (Andres Tobon), Joseph Paul Ross (Breda McGrath Ross), David Thomas Ross, Anne Frances Holek Gallo (Michael Gallo) and Thomas Frederick Holek. Rose has 4 great grandchildren - Alyson Marie Ross, Gianluca Andres Tobon, Charles Joseph Ross and Dominic Andres Tobon. Rose is also survived by 2 first cousins who are close to her age, Giuseppina DeMartino (Pasquale) and John Farina (Mary) and their children, and about 24 nieces and nephews (excluding their spouses and children).

Rose lived most of her 99 years in the Bronx and her last 25 years in Eastchester. Prior to her marriage, Rose had several jobs in her youth, the last of which was a cashier in the A&P. Mom would tell us that she secured the job only because all the men were in the service in 1941. Even then she was an independent woman, a decision maker and progressive for her time. She knew what women are still contesting today, that women received less pay than men for doing the same work. She was a determined woman as shown by attending her granddaughter’s local destination wedding for 3 days on Staten Island on October 22, 2022 at 99 years old.

Rose was a stay at home mom who dedicated her life to her family and to her Parish Church, St. Dominic in the Bronx. When married and raising her children, Rose lived within walking distance of her family to be readily available to them and their needs. Rose was a great leader, decision maker, and disciplinarian who built confidence and a sense of consciousness in her children. Her home was open to all where she made them feel welcomed. She was a very active member in St. Dominic Parish and one of the original benefactors of the church, whose cornerstone is 1923 like Rose’s year of birth. By example, she taught her family what it meant to be a true volunteer by actively participating in many church, school functions and ministries. She was a weekly Fundraiser for St. Dominic School by being a licensed bingo caller while her children attended school and for many years thereafter. She was a member of several St. Dominic Church and School committees which organized major fund raisers such as annual card parties and dinner dances for the support of St. Dominic Church and School. Rose was an active member of the St. Dominic School PTA. Although there was no formal Parish Council, Rose worked closely with the Pastors and Parish priests of St. Dominic some of whom included Bishop Anthony Mestice and Father Anthony Dalla Villa. She was a Columbiette in the Mary Queen of Peace Council where she held the position of Treasurer, and a member of the St. Dominic Altar Rosary Society. In Eastchester, Rose became a member of the Assumption Rosary Society. Rose also volunteered outside the church. Rose crocheted blankets for the Lavelle School for the Blind in the Bronx and made rosary beads as well.

Rose knew how to have fun with her family and friends. Rose liked to bowl and was on the Our Lady Of Solace Church Bowling league and was part of an after school parents team that organized a bowling team for the St. Dominic school children. Rose also enjoyed eating (especially ice cream), watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune but most of all Rose loved being surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. And although not an official member of the Order of the Sons and Daughters of Italy, Rose attended many of the Sons of Italy fundraisers because the events raised money for scholarships for the children of Eastchester.

Rose was an exceptional daughter, sister, wife, mother, adopted mother of many friends, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, godmother, cousin and friend. All who were fortunate to know Rose loved her and will miss her but will take comfort in Christen hope that she is with the angels of God in heaven and is interceding for us.

May Rose Molinari rest in peace forever and ever, amen.

The family welcomes condolences at Edwin L. Bennett Funeral Home on Sunday, 824 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale, NY 10583 on April 30, 2023 from 3:00-7:00pm. Funeral Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary located 8 Carmen Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583 on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 10:00am . A committal service will occur Monday, May 1, 2023 from 11:15 AM to 11:30 AM at Saint Raymonds Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Ave, Bronx, NY 10465.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ELBennettFuneralHomes.com for the Molinari family.