Rosa Greco's Obituary
Rosa Greco of Salem NH passed away peacefully at her home on Febuary 23rd 2024 surrounded by her loving family.
Rosa was born on December 14, 1930 in Sant'Agata di Militello Sicily to parents Rosalia and Gaetano Rizzo. She was the beloved sister of Concetta Rizzo, Aglae Arcara, and Benedetto Rizzo.
Rosa loved her family and her life in Italy where she grew up and remained until the age of 24. She met a young American soldier and fell in love, got married, and eventually she and her husband John came to America and started their family. They had two beautiful children, Sera and Lilly. Rosa adored both of her children and they were the loves of her life. Not speaking a word of English, Rosa enrolled in classes to learn the language and eventually began her career in beauty sales. Rosa started working at Cherry & Web in Lawrence and then going on to Jordan Marsh in Methuen and finally Macy’s in Salem NH, where she remained in the Fine Jewelry Department until her retirement at the young age of 84. Rosa loved her work and the many friends she made along the way.
Anyone who was lucky enough to know Rosa, knew what a fabulous cook she was. She could make anything and everything from classic Italian dishes, to desserts. Rosa was also famous for her arancini (rice balls) and for her fruit cocktail that she chopped by hand into tiny pieces which would take her hours to make. Sadly, for those who would ask, you could never get her recipes to taste like hers because as she would say everything she made was done by taste, made from scratch, and most importantly all of them made with love.
Rosa had so many endearing qualities. Her sense of humor, kindness, generosity, compassion, the greatest among them her love for her family. She was fiercely protective of them and loved each and every one unconditionally.
She will be forever missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, especially her cherished daughter Sera and son in law Jay McKallagat whom Rosa would always say was the son she never had.
The lights of her life were her grandchildren Ryan McKallagat and his wife Melissa, Jaymi Swarbrick and husband Tom, Guy Andrew Distefano, Kristina Harris and her husband Ryan, Marc Distefano. Great grandchildren Ava and Ella McKallagat, Mila and James Swarbrick, and Nolan and Jackson Harris.
Lifelong friends Sully and Antonietta Zingales, and their entire family.
Son in Law Joseph Barna, many loved nieces and nephews, and the entire McKallagat family.
Rosa was predeceased by her husband Carmen Greco and her beloved daughter Lilly Distefano.
At the request of the family there will be no calling hours. Her funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, February 27th 2024 at 11 am In Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Road, Salem, NH.
and her burial will be private.
Do to Lent In lieu of flowers you can make donations to:
Amedisys Hospice Care
8 Commerce Drive, Suite 101
Bedford, NH 03110
Or to
Saint Jude
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