Rosa (Giarrusso) Mastrototaro

Rosa (Giarrusso) Mastrototaro, 76, of Worcester, passed away in the comfort of her own home surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, January 19^th, 2021,  after a long courageous battle with cancer.  The Mastrototaro family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Beacon Hospice, especially nurse Nancy for all the care and support.

Rosa will be lovingly missed by her four sons,  Joseph A, Michael L. and his wife Tina, Andrew  “Andy” Jr, and Anthony J. Mastrototaro; a daughter Lisa Mastrototaro who was always by her side; her eight grandchildren, Michael, Andrew, Bianca and her husband Ayman, Michael Jr, Nicholas, Alec and his fiancé Angelina, Matteo and Ava. She also leaves one sister, Lucille Greene, and her husband James of Sturbridge: several nieces, nephews, extended family and a dear friend, Palma Gullbrand, also known as “Auntie Pam,” to all.  Rosa was predeceased by the love of her life for over 46 years, Andrew Mastrototaro who was taken suddenly in a horrific auto accident in 2007.

Rosa was born in Vieste, Foggia Italy daughter of Filomena and Michael Giarrusso. Raised in Vieste, until the age of eleven when she immigrated with her family to the United States in 1955.  She graduated from David Hale Fanning Trade school.   Rosa worked at the Umass Memorial Medical Center as a Lab assistant in cell biology, the Gary Stein Lab, for over 25 years before retiring.

Rosa was a longtime member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel-St Ann’s church, attending Mass regularly.  She was known for her talent and skills in the kitchen, especially her homemade authentic Italian cuisine.  She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, shopping, dining out and playing poker.  Rosa also enjoyed attending shows at Mohegan Sun, especially the time she attended a Paul Anker performance. 

Rosa would always go out of her way to be supportive of her loved ones.  She cherished and looked forward to the company of her children and grandchildren, notably after losing her husband and miraculously surviving in the tragic car accident.  Rosa found great joy in caring for and spending a great deal of time with her youngest grandchildren Matteo and Ava during their formative years.  She touched so many lives and will be remembered for her strength, kindness, perseverance, and grace.  She was incredibly brave and strong woman, who fought fearlessly until she passed peacefully.  Rosa will be immensely missed and fondly remembered by all. 

Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours Thursday, January 28, from4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Her funeral will be celebrated Friday, January 29^th at 11:00 am in St Bernard’s Church,  228 Lincoln St.  Family friend Rev Jonathan Slavinskas will celebrate.  Burial with Andy will follow in St John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to St Bernard’s Church, 288 Lincoln St. Worcester.