Obituary of Rose Marie Cusmano

Rose Marie Cusmano, 90, faithful and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt died on April 25, 2020, at Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) University Hospital Somerset, Somerville, NJ.  Born at the family home in Bound Brook on November 29, 1929, Rose was the daughter of Daniel (Diodato) Gianfrancesco and Florence Barbieri. When it became necessary for Rose’s mother Florence to leave home for long-term care, Rose, her brothers Vincent, Daniel, and sister Virginia went to a Catholic orphanage in Nutley, NJ. Rose became an avid reader, participated in school plays, and excelled in Latin.  Later in childhood, Rose and her siblings returned home to Bound Brook. In 1947, Rose graduated from Bound Brook High School, was an honor student, and popular in her class. Her senior yearbook listed, “fun-loving Rose Marie is a friend to all.” After high school, she attended business school and went on to work for Bakelite Corporation.On April 22, 1950, Rose wed John Salvatore Cusmano of Plainfield at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bound Brook, and then they bought a house in Scotch Plains. They had 4 children: daughter, Adele, born in 1954; sons John, born in December 1956, Ken, in September 1958, and Tom, in June 1961. In 1966 the family moved to Warren Township in Somerset County. Rose lived in her beloved home there for 54 years. She was a recognized member of Warrenbrook Senior Center and attended numerous activities including the senior picnics.  The family were members of Our Lady of the Mount Parish Catholic Church. Rose was an Altar Rosary Society member and attended frequent prayer breakfasts.Rose had many interests including reading, gardening, cooking and baking, sewing, healthy lifestyle practices, antiques, keeping up with the latest news, and became an advocate for the mentally ill.She is predeceased by John, her husband of 53 years, son John, granddaughter Elizabeth and all her siblings. She is survived by son Tom, wife Linda, and five grandchildren, Melanie, Patrick, Carolyn, Faustina, and Lucia of Honey Brook, PA;  son Ken of Andover, NJ; daughter Adele Loigu and husband Andy of Washington, NJ; niece Flo Patullo and husband Tom of Somerset, NJ; niece Sandy Ward of Middleburg Heights, OH; nephew David Lipiro and wife Sue of Sagamore Hills, OH; nephew Henry Gianfrancesco and wife Lynn of Venice, FL; nephew Jeffrey Kicia of Centennial, CO; and many friends and acquaintances.RWJ Hospital doctors, nurses, social workers, and aides provided her with excellent and compassionate care.  Each Sunday, Rose was visited in her home by Our Lady of the Mount Parish Eucharistic Ministers who prayed with her and offered her friendship. The family thanks all of these people.Due to the pandemic, Higgins Funeral home in Watchung, NJ, will have a private service.  A memorial mass to be announced at a later date.In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to:  Our Lady of the Mount Parish, 167 Mount Bethel Rd, Warren, NJ 07059; RWJ University Hospital Somerset, 110 Rehill Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876; or NAMI (Nat’l Alliance for the Mentally Ill), P.O. Box 6653, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.