Rose Marie Napolitano

Rose Marie Napolitano (nee Grieco) of Warwick (and formerly of Greenwood Lake) passed away peacefully at the Valley View Rehabilitation Center and Nursing Home in Goshen surrounded by her loving nieces on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, just two weeks shy of her 100th birthday.
She was born in Little Italy in New York City on Thanksgiving Day 1918, the second of eight children born to Nicola and Carmella Grieco. She was named for her grandmother and followed her father’s directive to grow “beautiful as a flower.”
Rose worked in Macy’s and then in several brokerage firms in New York City.
She married the love of her life, Rafaele Napolitano, on Oct. 10, 1941, and they were happily married for more than 50 years.
They had no children, but Rose showered her love on her nieces and nephews. She rented a summer cabin in Greenwood Lake, later buying a log cabin on Birch Drive in 1963, becoming a full time resident shortly thereafter.
Her home had an “Open Door Policy” – all were welcome and the plaque she kept in her kitchen said it all: “My house is small, no mansion for a millionaire, but there is room for love and room for friends, that’s all I care.”
Rose was a devout Catholic and loved the Lord her entire life. She leaves behind many writings in her “Legacy of Faith.” Her wit, spiritual wisdom and love will be remembered and cherished by all those whose lives she touched in the 99 years she spent on this earth.
She is survived by her sister, Gloria Arlotta of New City; brother, Nicholas Grieco of Staten Island; nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Rose was predeceased by her beloved husband, Rafaele, four of her sisters and two of her brothers.
Visitation was held Nov. 15 at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home in Warwick. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 16 at St. Stephen RC Church in Warwick.
Interment followed in St. Stephen’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Rose’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Hudson Valley Chapter, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 203, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-4027.
Arrangements were made by Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home. To send an online condolence, visit www.lsvpmemorialhome.com.