Rosario Laselva

Rosario (Ross) V. LaSelva, Jr., of Hobe Sound, Florida, formerly of Bethel, Connecticut, born December 18, 1932, passed away peacefully at his home in the arms of his son and daughter, on April 8, 2025,-most likely after delivering one last memorable punchline. Known far and wide for his sharp wit, smirky laughter, and imaginative mind, Rosario had a gift for making others laugh. He delighted family and friends with a nonstop parade of inventive ideas-some truly brilliant, others delightfully baffling, but always delivered with charm and humor. His standout invention, LaScoap, was among several patented creations designed to make everyday life easier. "Put an ending to the bending; use LaScoap to pick up the soap!"

Rosario was famous for his spontaneous dancing, often breaking into moves without warning, music, or even an invitation. His enthusiasm brought smiles, laughter, and occasionally puzzled looks wherever he went. He would think nothing of approaching strangers on the street, in a store or restaurant for a quick chat, to show his favorite photo or for a little prank.

Inspired later in life by his brother Kelly, he turned his creativity toward art, drawing countless faces each day-sometimes to the mild alarm of family members. Among his most treasured possessions was a cherished photograph featuring himself and four of his brothers, all proudly serving in the U.S. Navy, likely smiling and joking even then.

A familiar and beloved sight around town, Rosario often delighted bank tellers and store clerks with unexpected deliveries of flowers and sweets. With a humorous retort always at the ready, he effortlessly turned ordinary encounters into memorable ones. Generous almost to a fault, Rosario gave freely of both his resources and his time. A talented carpenter known for his meticulous attention to detail, he built and renovated homes across Fairfield County, Connecticut. He loved real estate and earned a CT real estate broker's license which he held for 60 plus years. He was known as a fun and friendly landlord to many residents.

Rosario was preceded in death by his former wife Patricia Kuehn, his parents Rosario and Maria LaSelva, and a spirited cast of siblings: Anna Gaita, Leo LaSelva, Vincent LaSelva, Carmen LaSelva, Angela Scarano, Marie (Chin) LaSelva, Canio (Kelly) LaSalva, Vito LaSelva, and baby Lucy LaSelva-all of whom undoubtedly welcomed him with open arms (and perhaps a few playful jokes of their own).

He is survived by his loving children, Rosario V. LaSelva, III and Diana LaSelva, who patiently and lovingly shared daily adventures with him, and Debra and her husband Donald DeRespinis, who occasionally managed to match his wit. He was adored by grandchildren Mark (Tara) DeRespinis, Michele (Kyle) Morehouse, Nicole (Patrick) O'Connor, and treasured by great-grandchildren Mackenzie, Cassidy, Ella Morehouse, Nila DeRespinis, Kiera, and Avery O'Connor. Rosario also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends, each with their own joyful memories and humorous stories of time spent with him.

Rosario's legacy of laughter, creativity, boundless generosity, and playful mischief will forever bring warmth and smiles to those who knew and loved him. If you hear any noise above, it's just dad dancing in Heaven.

A Celebration of Life will be held in CT during the summer of 2025, with details to be shared at a later date.

Donations may be made in Rosario's memory to Vitas at https://vitascommunityconnection.org/.