Rose T. Laraia, 96, of Wethersfield, loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend to many, passed away peacefully at her home on January 22, 2024. She was born in Hartford on April 27, 1927, the daughter of the late Frederick and Maria (Casale) Toro. Rose graduated from Weaver High School and was a hairdresser, owning her own salon in Hartford for many years. She later worked alongside her husband, Oscar “Pat” at their business, Arrow Window Shade in Meriden, which they ran together with their trustworthy and loyal helper, Roberto “Tito” Cardona for 52 years.
Rose was a wonderful cook and baker, not only sharing her delicious food and treats, but also passing on her old Italian recipes to the next generation. She also had many hobbies over the years, including working with ceramics and sewing beautiful needlepoint pictures. She was also known to be very active and adventurous, roller-skating, skiing, bike riding and was still going to the gym well into her 90s.
Rose deeply enjoyed all the time she spent with her family and friends, especially at her beach houses in Old Saybrook and Westbrook. She also loved traveling, especially their trips to Italy and to Florida visiting their dear friends, Julius and Loretta Rizzo and Sue and Mel Bruno. Later in life, she cherished the time spent riding in her golf cart at Cornfield Point and watching Dario play football.
Rose leaves behind her son, Robert A. Laraia and his partner, Kimberly Dibattista; grandson, Dario R. Laraia; her nieces, Taryn Toro, Donna Gionfriddo, Celine and her husband Jarlath Carbin and their children Shane and Kieran, and her sister-in-law, Patricia (Wood) Toro. She also leaves behind a granddaughter, Maria (Everett) Long, her husband Heath, and their children, Maxwell and Violet. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years, Oscar “Pat” Laraia; her sister, Amalia “Molly” Toro; her brother, Frank L. Toro and her sister-in-law, Marie L. Gionfriddo. The family would like to thank Rose’s wonderful companion and friend, Francesca Robertson Mills and Dr. Carolyn Kosack for all the amazing care and compassion over the years.
Calling hours will be Saturday, January 27 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at Christ the King Parish at the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Burial will be in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. To share a memory of Rose, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.
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