Obituary of Rose Theresa Corso

Rose Corso (Sangiorgio) died on July 28, 2022 in New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Aldo C. Corso.  Born in Brooklyn in 1929 to Giuseppe and Filipa  (Montalto) Sangiorgio, she was raised in Brooklyn along with three older brothers, Salvatore, John and Frank, all of whom predeceased her.   

Rose graduated from New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn, where she ran track, a talent that she put to good use years later as she chased down her son, Gary, actually hurdling a fence to the astonishment of all.  She made lifelong friends, including a group of five, who met in grade school and remained friends their entire lives. 

Rose met her future husband Aldo as she emerged from the surf on the beach at Coney Island, when he asked her the unparalleled line, "do you have a match." During this same encounter Rose's best friend, Kitty Verdi (Spitale) met her future husband Tony. Rose and Al married in 1949 at St. Rosalie Church in Bensonhurst (Brooklyn) with a reception at the Hotel Bossert. Soon after marrying Rose and Al moved to Wilkes-Barre and later Dallas, Pennsylvania where Al went to work manufacturing women's apparel with Rose’s brother, John. In Wilkes-Barre Rose gave birth to their son Glen and in Dallas she gave birth to their daughter Gail.  Rose and Al subsequently moved their family to Queens, where Rose gave birth to their son, Gary, and then to Massapequa, where they raised their family and Rose gave birth to another son, Gregg.

For many years, the couple hosted an annual July 4th backyard picnic for extended family and friends, beginning at 8 am and lasting late into the evening. Rose’s and Al’s extended families were at the center of their lives with frequent visits and holidays spent with family.  She also sang with the Twin County chapter of the Sweet Adeline's, where she made many friends, performed in competitions across the US and Internationally, and served for many years as Chapter President. 

Once her children were grown, Rose re-entered the work force, working for Chemco (part of General Electric) and Digital Computer, both at 2 Penn Plaza in Manhattan and strategically located across the street from Macy's Herald Square and a short walk from B Altman and Lord & Taylor.   Al and Rose began to travel the world, going to Rome, Sicily, Israel and Egypt, among other places.

After she and Al retired, the couple subsequently moved to a 55+ community in Monroe Township, New Jersey, where Rose and Al were active in their local Catholic parish, where Rose was a Rosarian and served as a Eucharistic Minister, and attended Mass almost daily. 

Rose's great organizational skills were again put to use as  President of her community's Italian club for several years. The couple also made regular pilgrimages to Manhattan with a group of close friends to attend the theatre in Duffy Square, visit art museums and having an early dinner at their usual booth at Carmines near Times Square, with a group photo marking the spot.

Rose’s greatest love was her family, including her nine grandchildren – Amy, Paul, Sara, Laura, Robert, Ellie, Joe, Alexa and Matthew, and 14 great grandchildren.  Rose’s love of family, her sharp wit and her strength will be greatly missed.  

A memorial mass will be 9:30am on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at St. James the Less RC Chruch - 36 Lincoln Ave., Jamesburg, NJ  08831.  Full arrangememts are being held under the direction of the M. David DeMarco Funeral Home, Inc. - 205 Rhode Hall Rd., Monroe Twp., NJ  08831.