Rose D. (Messa) Sullivan

Rose D. (Messa) Sullivan of Utica Mrs. Rose D. (Messa) Sullivan, age 95, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 11, 2006, at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center. Born in Fort Dodge, Iowa on September 26, 1911, Rose was the daughter of the late Giacomo "Jack" and Savinia "Mary" (Perta) Messa. After her family relocated to Utica when she was 3 years old, she was raised in Utica and attended Brandegee School. It was in St. Anthony of Padua Church on May 29, 1937 that she married Charles A. Sullivan, Sr., with whom she shared a union of 49 years prior to his passing on December 10, 1986. Mrs. Sullivan was employed for almost 10 years as a hairdresser at Amandola's Beauty Shop. In addition to her professional life, Rose was active in the life of the community; she was a longtime volunteer for the local Cancer Society and the American Heart Assn. Not only was she a member of the YWCA for many years, but her membership was current until the day of her passing. In her personal life, Rose was a devoted family woman. Over the years, she offered her help and guidance as a family caregiver to her loved ones in their times of need. She was a communicant of St. Agnes Church. Mrs. Sullivan is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Barbara S. and John A. Klein of New Hartford, and Jeanette E. Sullivan of Montclair, NJ; and a son, Charles A. Sullivan, Jr. of Albany; her grandchildren, Jacqueline A. and Paul Paskert of Cleveland, OH, and John A. Klein of Buffalo and his wife, Debra McDermott-Klein; and her great-grandchildren, Anthony Paskert and Andrew Paskert. Her survivors also include several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; her in-laws, Vita Messa of Utica, and Betty Sullivan Germandi of Utica; her very dear friends, Helen Wilson and Carmella Barbeto; and her former son-in-law, Richard Langstaff. In addition, she shared a special friendship and closeness with the Flemma family for many years. Rose was predeceased by two brothers and a sister-in-law, Francis "Frank" R. Messa, Sr., and John S. and Catherine Messa; and a sister, Mary Ferraro. The family extends its sincere gratitude to Jodi and all her friends at the Steinhorst Apartments, to Mary Ellen Lazarek, her caregiver, and to the staff and friends at the Presbyterian Home, especially acknowledging Cassie and Linda of the Maple wing, for their dedication, attention, and concern. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Rose's honor to St. Agnes Church or to the American Cancer Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mrs. Sullivan's funeral will commence on Thursday afternoon at 12:00 from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Agnes Church, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Rose D. (Messa) Sullivan

September 26, 1911 - November 11, 2006