Rosemary (Conte) Grosso's Obituary
Rosemary (Conte) Grosso, 73, passed with peace and grace on March 16, 2019 with her family by her side in North Texas. She was born in Syracuse, NY on July 1, 1945 to Nunzio and Anne Conte. She graduated from Assumption Catholic Academy in 1963 where she was voted Queen of the Senior Prom and lent her voice to performances in musicals with the Pompeian Players for several years. She married John Grosso on August 14, 1965 and together they raised four sons in Central NY, who were central throughout her life: Joseph of MI; Geoffrey (Nicole) of TX; Mark (Jeanine) of TX; and Stephen of TX.
While raising their family, Rosemary was employed at WTVH 5 where she worked for many years, most prominently as a production associate to the “Play Lady”, the late Jean Daugherty, who became one of her closest friends. Rosemary developed numerous programs and public service announcements for the station and appeared in several with her family. During this time, she forged deep personal bonds with Syracuse’s hometown celebrities, including Jim Boeheim, the legendary Jim Brown, Donavan McNabb, Mike Tirico, and the late “Coach Mac.” The couple retired to Florida in 2002 where she continued to contribute to the community through volunteer work at the Boca Raton Children’s Museum. After her husband’s passing, she moved to Texas to be closer to her family. Rosemary’s faith found her working or volunteering at churches throughout her life, including Syracuse University’s Alibrandi Catholic Center; St. Thomas More in Boynton Beach, FL; and St. Philip the Apostle in Lewisville, Texas.
Rosemary enjoyed cooking lavish Italian meals, was an avid reader of suspense novels, cheered for the Orange, and was a tireless player of board games – especially with her grandchildren. She made fast and enduring friendships wherever she traveled. More than anything, she loved the nostalgia of family celebrations in Syracuse, annual summer vacations in NJ, and the spectacular walks with her beloved “Johnny” along the beaches of Florida.
She is also survived by her two adoring grandchildren; siblings, Marianne Isbell, Gennaro Conte (Diane), and Johanne Calaprico (Anthony); her in-laws, Gloria and Dr. Benedict V. Alibrandi; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins; with whom she remained very close throughout her life. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 43 years, John Grosso in 2010.
A Funeral Mass in celebration of Rosemary’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church, 301 Ash St., Syracuse, NY. Burial will follow in Assumption Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday, June 14, 2019 at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
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