Rosemary Theresa Fitzgerald was born on November 10, 1928, in Bellerose, Long Island, New York, to Emma (Sciranko) and Albert Vasko. She had two older sisters, Jeanne, and Dorothy, and later the family added a son, Albert, called Skip. Rosemary graduated from high school in 1942 and went to work as a legal secretary.
She met John Fitzgerald, the love of her life, at a dance. He was hanging around outside the women’s restroom and she flirted with him on her way in. He asked her to dance when she came back out, and the rest was history! They were married several years later, on September 30, 1950, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Bellerose.
Rosemary loved being a wife and mother. She and John had six children – daughter Barbara, sons Timothy, Kevin, James, and Brian, and a second daughter, Kathleen. Her family and her faith were the most important things in her life. She was always optimistic, friendly, and open to new adventures. The family lived in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey before moving to Florida.
Rosemary died on the morning of May 19, 2024, at the age of 95. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John, children Kevin, Jimmy, and Kathy, and grandson Brian. She will be greatly missed by her children and their spouses, Barbara and Robin Eisemann, Tim and Jane Fitzgerald, and Brian and Anita Fitzgerald; her grandchildren Melinda, Johanna, Brendan, Jessica, Shawn, and Johnny; and her great grandchildren Makenna, Caden, Logan, Emma, Ava, Matthew, Grace, Taegan, Elowyn, Helen, and Allie; and great-great-granddaughter Aislin.
Rosemary’s services will be viewing on Friday, May 31, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (5:00-5:30pm for family) at A Community Funeral Home, 910 W Michigan Street, Orlando, Fl 32805.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 4545 Anderson Road, Orlando, Fl 32812 on Saturday June 1, at 11:00 a.m.