Mrs. Florence R. (Egitto) Rose

NEW HARTFORD – After being granted the gift of living nearly 100 years of life, Mrs. Florence R. (Egitto) Rose, age 99, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and to be reunited with her husband, Michael, and all her other loved ones whom she missed so dearly on March 5, 2026. Born in Utica on December 21, 1926, Florence was the daughter of the late Frank and Theresa (Sacco) Egitto. She was a proud graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. Florence married Michael P. Rose on January 15, 1972. She found great happiness and love in their relationship. They were blessed with many shared bonds that made their marriage so delightful. As best friends, they shared a deep belief in Christ and devoted themselves to their parish. He always wanted the best for her, and together they lived with reasonable practicality. The couple shared 47 years together before Michael’s passing on January 10, 2019. Her career began with a clerical position at the Nationwide Insurance Company in Syracuse. She later accepted a position in the Human Resources Department at Mohawk Airlines. Florence had an incredible work ethic—in fact, she was a dynamo! Once she and Mike became a team, he encouraged her to spend time in the home they built so they could enjoy their time together—and they did. Of course, this did not stop her from having daily coffee and lunch visits at her parents’ homestead on Bleecker St. Florence came from a loving family who respected and honored one another, and that was truly the foundation from which she learned her family values. Those were the days when one could fit everything into a single day! For enjoyment, Florence and Mike loved to dine out. The family camp at White Lake often brought them to the table to play cards—Pokeno was the game. Their neighbors would also gather to join in. Laughter and food were all they needed. It was truly the best of times. Her parents set the stage for service and hospitality in their home parish, St. Anthony of Padua Church. Generationally, everyone became an active and devoted member and participant—whether attending Mass, serving on the festival committee, or conducting events with great dependability year after year. They had a vested commitment to the parish, and their Italian heritage made for delectable menus at these festivities. Florence and Mike both participated in the Knights of St. John’s Auxiliary. Florence was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary #385, of which she was proud to be a part. She was also privileged to serve as a Eucharistic minister. She and Mike kept a fastidious home, and she meticulously maintained her car and attire, always keeping them neat and clean. Above all, family came first. She lived according to God’s expectations and was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. She had a great laugh, through which her joyful spirit shone. When Florence was introduced to the Rose family, their gatherings became even more engaging. They lived among wonderful people. Whenever someone came to Florence in distress, she would say, “Don’t come unglued—stay cool.” Florence never forgot and held close to her heart the memory of her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Joseph M. Artessa, Sr., as well as her brother, Fred A. Egitto. She is survived by her nephews and nieces, Joseph M. Jr. and Carm Artessa, and David and Martha Artessa; as well as her nieces and nephews of the Rose family; sister-in-law, Carmella Rose (the late Dominick “Doc” Rose, Jr.); and her many wonderful cousins and dear friends who made life more enjoyable. Florence was further predeceased by her in-laws, Isabelle and Raymond A. Guido, Mary and Joseph J. “Philip” DeGeorge, Adeline “Rosie” and Frank Juliano, John F. Rosa, Angela “Angie” Rose, Pasquale “Pat” Rose, and Ronald and Linda Rosa. The family would like to thank Florence's aide, Nichole, whose compassion and dedicated care made Florence’s days more pleasant and fulfilling. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Florence's Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Florence’s honor may be made to St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church by mail to 422 Tilden Ave., Utica, NY 13501; envelopes will also be available at the service. Whenever Florence needed God’s attention, she would bow her head and pray for blessings for others. Please take a moment to do the same for her during this Lenten season. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum.

Mrs. Florence R. (Egitto) Rose

December 21, 1926 - March 5, 2026