Rosalie Costanza Ross Caputo Gaska

09/25/1939 - 09/27/2025

Rosalie Costanza Ross Caputo Gaska, 86, passed away peacefully at home on September 27, 2025, surrounded by family, just two days after celebrating her 86th birthday.
Born in Utica, New York on September 25, 1939, to Rose "Babe" Ross Caputo and John Caputo, Rosalie's early life was marked by tragedy and love. When she was just two years old, her mother Babe and infant brother died during childbirth. Shortly after, her father served in World War II. During those years, Rosalie was lovingly raised by her grandmothers, Costanza Costante and Rose Spina, along with her devoted aunts Mary Di Orio, Helen Manfredo, Angela Coria, Antionette Dominy, Tessie Mattia, Joey Caputo, and her West Virginia aunts Geraldine, Lucy, Sadie, Helen, and many more. These remarkable women lavished her with love, becoming multiple mothers and teaching her the true meaning of family.
In 1960, Rosalie married John Gaska, an artist whose work was shown at the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, where Rosalie served as a docent. She often said that the moment she first saw John, she knew he was the man she would marry. Their love story spanned 52 beautiful years until John's death in 2012. After his passing, Rosalie never dated again, carrying their eternal bond in her heart. As John's muse, she shared his passion for art and music. Both played piano and sang, filling their home with creativity.
A graduate of Utica College, Rosalie dedicated her career to helping young people as a guidance educator at East Syracuse Minoa School District. She had a special gift for seeing potential in every student, particularly the underdogs. She volunteered to coach the Senior Variety Show and became a mother figure to many young people who didn't have one. Her impact extended throughout the Syracuse community.
Rosalie had tremendous pride in her Italian heritage and a wonderful sense of humor-she joked about wanting her ashes placed in a DeCecco pasta can. She was hilariously funny, a gifted storyteller who noticed every funny thing about life. People coveted a space at her kitchen table, where laughter came so hard that sides would split. She was an extraordinary cook who taught intuitive cooking, insisting her children and grandchildren learn by feel, taste, and love rather than from a book.
When her daughters went to college, Rosalie began sending legendary care packages filled with her homemade baked goods. She didn't stop with her own children-all of their friends received packages, and anyone she heard was struggling was added to her list. The staff at the post office knew her by name.
Rosalie was a healer. Her home, filled with beautiful pottery and art, was a sanctuary where she welcomed people, covered them with blankets, built a fire, and brought them a bowl of pastina. Friends confided in her about profound emotions and their quest for justice, sharing things they could never tell their own mothers.
Though gentle in spirit, Rosalie embodied the Shakespearean truth: "and though she be but little, she is fierce." A Libra goddess of justice, she volunteered with the Syracuse Peace Council and had an undying fire for fairness and human rights. Her commitment to justice was personal, passionate, and unwavering.
Rosalie is survived by her beloved brother Anthony Caputo; her three daughters: Linda Lonergan, Nola Casserly (Greg), and Sandra Lynn Gaska (Robert Randal Clark); her grandchildren Grayce Lonergan, Dr. Ryan Casserly (Dr. Grace Wong Casserly), and Madelyn Casserly; her great-grandchildren Sean and Liam Casserly; and countless people who thought of her as a surrogate mother.
She was predeceased by her husband John Gaska, her parents Rose "Babe" Ross Caputo and John Caputo, her stepmother Carmella Caputo, her infant brother, and the many beloved family members who raised her.
Her family takes comfort in the belief that Rosalie has finally been reunited with her mother Babe in heaven after 84 years apart, and that they will never be separated again.
A celebration of Rosalie's life is being planned. Details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vera House in Syracuse.
On her mantle, Rosalie kept three glass bird candles. She would only light all three when all her daughters were in her house, sleeping under one roof. She would say those were the only nights she had true peace. Mom, we love you. We hope you watch your little birds from above and keep us safe.