Rosemary was educated in the public schools of New York City and graduated from Bayside High School. She attended, and taught Sunday school in, the Dutch Reformed Church.
In 1963 Rosemary attended a dance, with her mother as chaperone. A very shy young man was taken by this beautiful young woman out on the dance floor. Shy but persuasive, he introduced himself to the mother, and asked to be introduced to her daughter. Though not a good dancer, the young man asked the beautiful young lady for a dance. An elopement followed in December 1964, and there began a lifelong romance between Rosemary and Domenick Fugarino.
Rosemary was a truly talented woman. She had a solo dance recital at Carnegie Hall when she was about 5 years old. In her high school years, she was offered scholarships to four prestigious art schools, although she ultimately never accepted them. However, Rosemary devoted many years to creating various types of art, from drawing and painting to garden and jewelry design. Many of Rosemary’s jewelry designs were available at such quality stores as Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Bonwit Teller, Lord & Taylor, and Saks Fifth Avenue. In addition, Rosemary designed all aspects and floor plans of the Fugarino home in Las Vegas, including the main residence and exterior gardens, although she was not a licensed architect.
During all of her life Rosemary was a leader, and an enthusiastic & meticulous planner, for the various organizations of which she was a part. She volunteered her time and skills generously, without being asked. For many years Rosemary was a member of the New York chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. She served that organization in many leadership capacities, and earned many titles, including that of “Worthy Matron.”
Aside from the wonderful qualities already mentioned, it was Rosemary’s friendly and charming personality that were some of her greatest assets. Rosemary enjoyed working and socializing with people and was kind to everyone she met.
In her Las Vegas retirement years, Rosemary was also a very active member of the Southern Nevada chapter of the City College of New York Alumni Association. She, along with her husband Domenick, organized many events and bus tours for the benefit of the Alumni Association scholarship fund.
Rosemary had been ill and bed-ridden for approximately ten years prior to her death on April 15, 2024. For most of those years she had been lovingly and personally attended to in her home by her beloved husband.
Messages of condolence may be left for the Fugarino family at www.palmnorthwest.com.
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