Rose Tavano

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rose Tavano (nee De Ciuceis), age 98 of Butler, NJ. 

Rose passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 peacefully while receiving the loving care of her family.

Rose was born in Jersey City and was one of eleven children to Angelo and Maria De Ciuceis.  While just a young girl, Rose’s family moved to East Paterson, now known as Elmwood Park, NJ.  Rose was part of a group of people in our society known as the “Greatest Generation.”  The people of this generation grew up during the time of the Great Depression and primarily composed the enlisted forces in World War II.  Like many young men and women of that time, Rose sacrificed her education and left school at an early age to help support her family. 

When rose was only sixteen years old, she met the love of her life, a handsome young man by the name of Frank Tavano.  Frank was a young GI enlisted in the United States Army about to be shipped overseas to the European Theatre.  Before leaving, on September 6, 1942 Frank and Rose became husband and wife. 

Upon Frank’s return to the United States after the war, the newlyweds settled in the City of Paterson.  The couple resided in Paterson for about twenty years.  During that time Rose and Frank welcomed the births of their three children Richard, Frank Jr., and their daughter Judith.  After the birth of Rose’s first child, she made the decision to become a full-time homemaker.  Rose devoted herself to caring and nurturing her children for the next twenty-five years.  After Rose’s children had grown, she decided that she would go back to work.  Rose called upon her skills as a seamstress once again and found employment quickly in her old stomping grounds, the garment district of Paterson NJ.  Rose continued to work for various garment shops and factories.  She was a long-time member of the International Ladies’ Garment Union.  Rose worked as a professional seamstress until her retirement in 1987. 

When Rose’s children had grown, she and Frank moved back to their hometown of East Paterson (Elmwood Park).  One of Rose’s favorite pastimes was cooking and baking. She treasured her time on the weekends hosting family and friends for “Fried Meatballs and Coffee at Rosie’s.”  She put her seamstress skill to work not only for employment but for her family as well.  Whenever there was tailoring to be done, Rose made herself available. She loved to knit, sew, and crochet.  Rose also cherished her two daily soap operas “Days of Our Lives” and “General Hospital.”  Those who knew Rose best, knew that her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Rose than providing for and spending time with her family.  She and her husband Frank cherished an amazing sixty-seven years of loving and loyal marriage until Frank’s passing in 2009.  Tragedy struck Rose’s life in 1986 when her daughter Judith Ann Glasser passed away. 

Rose was a quiet and private person who loved her family very deeply.  She will be forever remembered as a loving wife, and a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  Rose was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her. 

Rose is survived by her two sons; Richard Tavano and his wife Barbara of Butler, NJ, and Frank Tavano, Jr. and his wife Joann of Wayne, NJ, seven grandchildren; Richelle Alessandra and her husband Charlie of Montville, NJ, Laureen Minifie and her husband Mike of Rio Rancho, NM, Andria Benham and her husband Robert of Parsippany, NJ, Ben Tavano and his wife Lisa of Little River, SC, Marlana Tavano of Bellville, NJ, Nicole Tavano and her husband Blake of Wood Bridge, VA, and Danielle Scotto and her husband Kris of Pompton Plains, NJ, nine great grandchildren; Jocelyn, Madelyn, Ava, Alayna, Bo, Angelina, Anthony, Anna, and Francesca, and many nieces and nephews.  Rose was predeceased by her husband Frank Tavano, her daughter Judith Ann Glasser, her great-grandson Lucca, her six brothers; Joseph De Ciuceis, Alex De Ciuceis, Angelo De Ciuceis, Frank De Ciuceis, Anthony De Ciuceis, and Sammy De Ciuceis, and four sisters; Betty Spagnola, Mildred De Stefano, Jean Menzo, and Connie Hencke. 

In lieu of flowers,, donations in Rose’s name may be made to Grace Healthcare Services, 105 Fieldcrest Ave Suite, Edison, NJ 08837 www.gracehcs.com or Alzheimer’s New Jersey, 425 Eagle Rock Ave, Suite 203 Roseland, NJ 07068 www.alznj.org