Obituary of Rose M. DeTommaso

March 23, 1926 – April 7, 2025

Rose Marie DeTommaso, devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, doting great-grandmother, and cherished friend to so many others, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 7, 2025.  She had recently celebrated her 99th birthday surrounded by the family she so deeply loved. 

Born at her family’s home in Jersey City, NJ, on March 23, 1926, Rose was the daughter of the late Joseph and Antoinette (Libre) Lefanto. She was raised and spent her childhood and young adulthood in Jersey City, where she later met her high school sweetheart, Peter Paul DeTommaso. The two married in 1947 beginning a beautiful union spanning six decades. In 1958, Rose and Peter moved to North Plainfield, where they built not only a home but a rich and loving life for their growing family.

Following high school graduation, Rose found herself working for the US Army Quartermaster supporting the WWII war effort.  A hardworking and dedicated partner, Rose played an essential role in the founding and success of Home Owners Heaven, the business she and Peter opened in 1958 in North Plainfield. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help run and support the family business until her retirement in 1993. 

In addition to her family devotion, Rose gave of her time and spirit to her community. She took an active role in supporting her children in both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.  She was a proud former member and past president of the Women’s Auxiliary of the North Plainfield Italian American Club, and she enjoyed spending time with the Traveling Seniors group. She was an avid reader among other interests, including sewing, crocheting, and a love for gardening.  Above all else, her greatest joy was found in her family.

Rose was predeceased by her beloved husband Peter in 2007 and by her siblings John, Carmine, Ann, and Michael. She is survived by her five children: Rosanne Kilpatrick and her husband Matthew, Dona John and her husband Stephen, Mary DeTommaso, Peter DeTommaso, Jr and his wife Donna, Joe DeTommaso and his wife Lisa.

She was the proud grandmother of her eleven grandchildren: Matthew John Kilpatrick III (Michele), Dawn Ann Fiorilli (Len), Stacy John (Luca Pateri), Christina Sempervive (Nicki), Elizabeth Sempervive, Vincent Sempervive (Taylor), Amanda Stankiewicz, Peter DeTommaso III (Amanda), Anthony DeTommaso, Joseph DeTommaso, and Julia DeTommaso.

Rose also leaves behind her nine adored great grandchildren: Jenna, Louis, Stella, Vincent, CJ, Victoria, Peter Paul IV, Natalina, and Autumn, who brought her immeasurable joy.  She is also survived by many additional family members, including her nephew Carmine, whom she always had a special bond with, as well as her trusted caregiver, Christiana.  

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, New Jersey. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, April 15, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by interment at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains.

Rose M. DeTommaso lived a life defined by love, loyalty, and grace. Her legacy will live on in the many lives and hearts she touched. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rose’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause dear to her heart.