Rosalie Sue Calabrese

Rosalie was a great poet, friend, and human being. I miss her! Love, Jan Castro

Rosalie, I didnt know until today, sitting in Riverside Park, face mask liberated so I could enjoy the sun, when a breeze stirred lovely thoughts of you and dear Len (who brought us together). I walked home and Googled you and discovered your obit. Im bereft. I treasure our periodic lunch dates. The landscape of the Upper West Side is changed. But, I will find a way to include you always. I will revisit your poetry. With love

Dear Rosalie, I think of you so often. Our journey from boss/employee, to collaborators, to friends was such a comforting one. It is summed up in the song I wrote about you, which I am so glad you heard. I hope someday everyone will hear it.

Rosalie will live on in the hearts and minds of all the many who admired, respected, and especially loved her. Save The Music, inc. will present our Rosalie Calabrese Memorial Concert one year from today.

Dear Sweet Rosalie,
You were there in the exercise classes that I taught,
You were there for me when I was pregnant and had my daughter,
You were there for films and shows my husband presented,
You were there for our parties,
You were there as a dear lifelong friend and showed you cared for me always.
When you didn't write me back on your birthday, I was worried. You always wrote because you shared your birthday with my husband.
When you didn't answer the phone during...

I am only just now finding this. I had no idea she was so ill. I first met Rosalie when I worked for her at American Composers Alliance. We slowly became friends and collaborated on two songs. Most recently, I wrote a song that is a musical portrait of and tribute to her. I had long hoped to collaborate on more songs. I enjoyed her friendship and encouragement for the last 35 years.

There is no one like Rosalie. All the many of us who loved her will keep the memory of this one-of-a-kind spirit alive always.

My life long friend. We met as kids and learned that our parents had known each other before they were married. You were Arnie's most loyal client of over 50 years. You traveled to Southold to help us celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We said our good byes just weeks before you died. Rest In Peace old friend.

The last time I saw Rosalie, I asked her, "So, how are you?" and, instead of saying "Oh, I'm OK, though I have a bit of a cold", or some such health report, she answered, "Oh, I just had a new book of poems published." I commented that artists talk about their work rather than their bodies. She said, "Well, that's who we are."