Rosemary Cincotta Kiely

1932 - 2024

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Rosemary Cincotta Kiely at her La Jolla home on June 2, 2024. Born May 9, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York to Irish immigrants and a first generation American, Rosemary was the first of their five children. She grew up, attended school and worked in Brooklyn until meeting her husband and marrying at age 21 as he left to serve in Korea.In 1959, the family of 4 now moved to Crystal Lake, Illinois as her husband commuted into Chicago. Rosemary had 3 more children bringing the total to five and in 1963 the family made their final move to La Jolla, California.While building a wonderful loving family and acquiring many friends, Rosemary was the active mother/homemaker who seemed to be always driving a child to special events or baking cookies and cupcakes for countless children's school activities. She was a strong Catholic with tremedous faith in the Lord. She was a member of Mary Star of the Sea church, volunteered and joined many local organizations including the Newcomers Club, Friends of the Poor and So Others May Eat, but her favorite group was her bridge club.After a surprise divorce in 1973, Rosemary went back to work after 20 years of being a homemaker. To save her home and keep her family together she worked hourly positions throughout the La Jolla community. After many years, through her faith and perseverance she was introduced to a small San Diego car dealer who needed bookkeeping help. Rosemary took the job, learned the business and eventually became co-partner of the operation. They saw a future for Recreational vehicles early on and together they began building one of the largest Motorhome Dealerships in Southern California. She enjoyed working in the Motorhome business for many years, eventually retiring from it in 1995.Rosemary thought that her life would slow down in retirement, but soon she met a gentleman that she thought was very special. Something great was building as they dated for many years, enjoying each others company and dancing their evenings away. They told each other that they were too old to remarry, but love won out and they tied the knot. They were madly in love and to Rosemary it was the best retirement she could have wished for. They enjoyed many years of happiness together, hosting parties, traveling with family and friends and just enjoying life. Sadly, he was to pass before her, which was a devastation. But Rosemary still had her family with 6 grandchildren now, to teach and spread her love onto as well as a great support group of friends.Rosemary's Legacy is one of being a loving wife, mother, homemaker, grandmother, mentor and entrepreneur. A gracious host, wonderful to all she met, a second mother to many who always went out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. Raising her own children as well as loosely looking after many of their close friends was one of her joys. Fair but stern with the ability to see through their stories she always seemed to get her points across to keep them on the straight and narrow. She loved her Irish heritage and could always spin a bit of blarney if needed.Kind and loving, she was a friend to all who would never want to exclude anyone. Rosemary lived as a grand example for all of us to follow. There are not many left like her. She will be dearly missed but the memories and the lessons she taught will forever be remembered.Rosemary was preceded in death by husbands Don Cincotta and James Kiely as well as eldest son Kevin Cincotta.A Mass and Celebration of Life for Rosemary will be held at Mary Star of the Sea church in La Jolla on Monday, July 29th at 11am.In lieu of flowers, please make a Contribution to Mary Star of the Sea church or other Catholic charities of your choice.