Rose N. Russo

Celebrating The Life of Rose Nativity Russo (nee Gomez)

9/8/1933-11/5/2025 (92 years)

Daughter, Sister, Wife, Titi Rosie, Madrina, Nana, Abuelita, Bis Abuela (great-grandmother)

Born in Spanish Harlem on September 8, 1933, the fifth of six children to Gregorio and Consuelo Gomez. A graduate from The Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) with honors, she used her talent over the years to design and create clothes and wedding gowns. She received her Master of Fine Arts from New Jersey City University after her daughters graduated college. She met the love of her life John, at age 11 and they wed in 1955, celebrating 70 years of marriage this past February and enjoyed years of family adventures. Holidays were always a special time together through the years. Who could forget her annual Thanksgiving baked Alaska and all those pies!

The marriage blessed them with five cherished daughters: Nalyn Marcus (Joseph) of Easton, PA, Yvonne Russo-Devosa (d. Robert) of East Petersburg, PA, Teresa Russo (d. Rabih Gebrayel) of Milltown, Michele Russo (Jose Leon) of Pensacola, FL, Allyson Dallmann (Kevin) of Isle, MN.

Rose is survived by her husband John, sister Iris Santiago, In-Laws Vincenza Gomez, Josephine Russo (d. Joe) Bobby Russo (Annie), Armando Russo (Sandra), children and grandchildren Laura (Andy), Eric, Keith, Benjamin (Hailey), Gabryella and Allysa, foster grandchildren Anthony and Aleah, two great-grandchildren, Otto and Sofia and many nieces and nephews. They had many wonderful pets throughout the years, a protégé of Dr. Dolittle and the long-reigning Queen of Brown Street in Union City, she leaves a lifetime of sweet memories made with dear neighbors. She will be greatly missed. She is predeceased by her parents, sisters Consuelo, Ida, Genevieve, brother Jack, nieces Lynda, Millicent, nephews Raymond, Anthony Joseph and sister-in-law Alice Esteves (d. Ernie).

She was a lover of learning, an avid kite flyer, consummate teacher and forever Girl Scout and a 27-year Girl Scout Brownie leader, she was known as the unforgettable Mrs. Russo to scores of young girls at Saint Augustine’s parish, Union City. She later used her bilingual skills to train leaders at Pavonia Girl Scout Council, from where she retired. She was also a lifelong Brooklyn Dodgers fan, fashion designer, jewelry designer, pattern maker, sample maker for Liz Claiborne, and tinkerer who could fix anything. She loved popping bubble wrap, blowing bubbles and balloons. She was a child at heart and had a curious nature. She taught sewing at Hudson County Voc Tech and jewelry making at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn.

Rose was known for her patriotism, loved singing, dancing, camping in The Adirondacks, parades, seahorses, pandas and giraffes. Her volunteer spirit and ability to nurture and impact young women to grow and make a difference was felt across the decades. She was uniquely independent, tenacious, self-reliant and ahead of her time. A devout Catholic, she loved freely sharing the word of God.

Many fun memories will last forever, from annually sewing five matching Easter dresses throughout the night or riding a motorcycle. Rose’s pioneering spirit set an example of life and living full out for all of us to believe in ourselves; and to know with hard work, everything is possible.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday November 7th, 3:00 -9:00 pm at The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 North Main Street-At Riva Ave, Milltown. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes in Milltown, Saturday, November 8th at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in North Brunswick. 

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Girl Scouts Heart of NJ Council, https://share.google/t32NzfjrRdPPRNya1

You may sign the online condolence “guestbook” at www.crabiel.com