Obituary of Rose F. Santilli

Rose F. (Tangredi) Santilli, age 94, of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 19, 2021, at Jewish Senior Services with her devoted children by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph P. Santilli, whom she cherished. Born in Manhattan, New York, on October 18, 1926, she was a daughter of the late Nicola and Margherita (LaGuardia) Tangredi. Rose worked as a real estate agent for the Mase Agency before her retirement. A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend of many, she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Rose was an avid fashion enthusiast and lived up to the phrase ”shop ‘til you drop”!  She was known as the shoe queen, rarely seen in a pair of flats, and picked out her grandchildren’s school shoes until they went to college.  No matter what anyone wanted or needed she would find it.  Rose was a well-known regular at Westfield Mall Trumbull and whether shopping for herself, family members or friends, she could be found trotting around, sampling donuts and hot pretzels along the way.  If not at the mall, Rose would be picking up “really fresh” bagels at Bruegger’s in Trumbull Center and delivering them to her grandkids.  Her family would like to remember her that way and envisions her now reunited with her husband, Joe, dancing in her high heels and sipping a Manhattan.

Survivors include her loving children, Diane Santilli and her husband Kevin Aylward of Shelton, Vincent Santilli and his wife Jeanine of Trumbull, her cherished grandchildren, Joseph, Mara and Thomas Santilli, her honorary grandchildren Anna Nemergut and Aleksandra and James Czajkowski, her fur grand dog and cat, Fozzy Bear and Tuna, extended family Matt and Sara German Aylward, in-laws Jean and Leo Czajkowski, several cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Rose was predeceased by her brother, Sam Tangredi, and sisters Mildred Scinto and Joan Fabrizi, a very special aunt, Antoinette Bonomo, as well as in-laws Mary and William Sharp, Yolanda and Edward Santilli, and Pam and Frank Cervero.

Diane and Vincent would especially like to recognize the staff and management at Jewish Senior Services for the wonderful and heartfelt care of their mother, specifically Paula Fox and Rosemary Wright.  They are so extremely grateful for the kind, loving, and expert attention given by them as well as Nurse Lissette Amoedo and Nursing Supervisor, Allison Shortell.  Thank you is just not enough!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Tom Hagan on Friday, April 23, 2021, at 11:00 am, outside at St. Margaret Shrine, 2523 Park Ave., Bridgeport. Face masks and social distancing will be required. Interment will be held privately for the immediate family. The mass will be streamed live by visiting St. Margaret Shrine Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/StMargaretShrine, for those unable to attend in person. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hands Together, P.O. Box 80985, Springfield, MA 01138 or to Homes for the Brave, 655 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604.