Rosemarie Varriano

Rosemarie Varriano, 70, a lifelong New Brighton resident and a longtime elementary school principal who will be remembered for her friendliness and love of the opera, died Tuesday in Staten Island University Hospital, Prince's Bay.

A graduate of Curtis High School, Miss Varriano held a bachelor's degree from Wagner College, Grymes Hill. She spent her entire 30-year career at PS 52, Dongan Hills, beginning as a student teacher. She was a teacher there for several years and also held the position of assistant principal, before serving as the principal for many years.

Miss Varriano belonged to the St. Bernardino Women's Society for many years. She also belonged to a local professional women's association and enjoyed the opera, often attending in Manhattan with friends.

"She was very friendly and had a lot of friends,'' said her sister-in-law, Dorotea Varriano. "She loved to entertain.''

Surviving are her brothers, Anthony and Michael Varriano, and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners. Burial will be in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.