Rose T. Fusaro

Rose Teresa (Setaro) Fusaro, 94, of Worcester, loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home, December 13. She is survived by her children Giulio (Barbara) of Sutton, Rick (Brenda) of Rutland, Wendy of Worcester, and Carole Cornell (James) of Tucson, AZ; her grandchildren, Michael Fusaro of Sutton; Guy Fusaro of Greenfield; Anthony, Carla and Nicole Fusaro of Rutland; and Jennifer Cornell (Martin Hannigan) of Northern Ireland; her great-grandson James Martin Hannigan; her brother, Anthony Padavano of Worcester; her sister-in-law Carolyn Padavano of Shrewsbury; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph in 1986 and daughter Jeanne in 1998. Rose was born July 14, 1918, the daughter of Anthony and Maria (Fulginiti) Setaro, who also had a second daughter, Columbia (Comforti). Her father died young, one of the many tragic victims of the Spanish Influenza Epidemic. Her mother remarried a widower, Giuseppe Padavano, who had three children of his own: Angelina (Azzarone), Hortense (Cariglia), and Pasquale. Subsequently, the couple had seven more children: Antoinette (Jarmolowicz), Catherine (Riggieri), Marian (Mancini), Domenica, Frank, Joseph, and Anthony, who is the sole surviving sibling of this large and vibrant family. In 1936, after graduating from high school, Rose married Giulio (Joseph) Fusaro. The couple resided first in the Shrewsbury Street area of Worcester, but, after World War II, built a home on Alameda Road in the Chestnut Hill area off Massasoit Road in what was then still considered "country," with farms, orchards, and undeveloped forest land, all within the city limits. Throughout the years, as their family grew, prospered, struggled, and prospered again, Rose remained the ever-solid core, giving stability, strength, and sustenance to her husband, children, extended family, and, indeed, anyone who had the privilege of knowing her. This care and generosity extended beyond family and neighborhood, for she also made significant contributions of clothing and other items to needy families in Mexico. After raising her children, Rose began a second career in retail sales at the former Jordan Marsh in the old Worcester Center. As Sales Associate in the Women's Fine Clothing Department, she developed a base of devoted and adoring clients, drawn by her openness, honesty, and innate sense of style, instinctively knowing what looked best on every individual patron. Although a consistent winner of corporate awards and recognition, she was always most proud of the deep and lasting friendships with her customers and fellow employees. Following her retirement from Jordan Marsh--marked by an exceptional celebratory farewell party--Rose returned to her former, full commitment to her family, but also took such delight in all children that she earned the honorific of "Grandma Rose" from every child who met her. Rose also retained her sense of style and joie de vivre, enjoying good food, interesting travel, serious shopping, and recreational gaming. Always dressed perfectly and coiffed beautifully, she received many compliments about her appearance--and her seemingly eternal youth--until nearly the last day of a long and wonderful life. A private funeral service was held on Tuesday, December18, with burial in St. John's Cemetary, where she was interred with her husband. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38101 and Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Road, Worcester, 01604. The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, assisted the family with arrangements.