Rosé Triumpho Sullivan

Rosé Triumpho Sullivan died peacefully in her home on Friday, December 3, 2021. She is survived by her daughter, Trish Triumpho Sullivan, of Salinas California, granddaughter, Tara Erin Neal, who resides in Tucson Arizona, her brother, Richard Triumpho of New York, cousin Rocco Pacella of Italy and a great many nieces and nephews, including Judy Chaffee, Raven DiMario, Susan Malone Cook, Mike Malone, Mark Hamilton, Dave & Doug Griswald, Anne Triumpho, Tim Triumpho, Antonia Triumpho, plus countless friends, all of whom love and miss her dearly. We all know she is welcomed to the other side by her husband, George "Sully" Sullivan, her son, Thomas "Wild Bill" Sullivan, her parents and most of her siblings.

Rosé was born Rosé Triumpho on July 27, 1927, at home on the family farm in St. Johnsville New York, one of 12 children of Italian immigrants Thomas and Louise Triumpho and lived more than 94 action-packed years! Her childhood was spent helping on the farm on Triumpho Road near the Mohawk River in upstate New York and she spent her formative years in the austerity of the Great Depression. As a young woman, Rosé studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City (same class as Anne Bancroft) until invited by her sister, Grace to go on an escapade out west to the burgeoning new oasis in the desert, Las Vegas.

There, while waiting table at the El Cortez Coffee Shop, she met the love of her life, Sully. They married, adventured around the southwest, had a son, Tom, and a daughter, Trish. Over the years of their relationship, they lived in Carson City Nevada, Santa Rosa California where Tom was born, Pinole, Yuma and finally settled in Phoenix Arizona where Rosé gave birth to Trish and both children attended school.

Though Sully and Rosé divorced in 1968, they remained good friends and considered remarrying more than once before he passed away at age 63. Rosé worked for years on the assembly line at the Motorola plant on McDowell Road and raised the kids as a single mom. She proudly purchased her first home in 1969, and after Sully died, she went on to a an interesting and very productive career following her graduation from Phoenix College.

After "retirement", Rosé spent lots of time with friends, loved to traveling, working in her garden and taking long walks. She never tired of writing and proof reading – so keen she'd mark up the newspaper with her red pen! She took great joy sharing her baby trees which she propagated from her own trees' seeds. She loved people and was known by her large circle of friends as a vivacious dinner guest.

Rosé regaled folks with her exceptional storytelling and always had smiles and kind words for everyone. She was dedicated to supporting local artists and important causes. She attributed her long life to eating organic, locally-grown food – especially leafy greens – plenty of water and huge dose of laughter. Not that she didn't enjoy a good steak at Durant's, a Manhattan and some fresh-baked pie with ice cream.

Due to medical cannabis, she was as happy and fun loving as possible right up to the end. Her family is thankful that she was able to have access to this miracle of mother nature for pain and ease of breathing. Rosé actually won an award as the person under Hospice care for the longest time – four years! - after being diagnosed with a fatal heart condition. Amazing to the very end, she willed her body to UA Tucson and will begin "teaching" students early next year. Big thank you to Hospice of the Valley, her nurses, neighbors and friends who helped her out immensely and especially to Tammy for her tender loving care.

Though Rosé was not into a formal funeral service, she was all for a big party in her honor and a celebration is being planned for the beginning of 2022 for everyone to gather. Laughter, friends and family congregating with food, drink and love were a large part of her long life – maybe even the secret to it. She will be remembered for her big heart and hearty laugh. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity, smile and raise a glass of your favorite drink to Rosé Triumpho Sullivan – cheers!

Please contact her daughter, Trish Triumpho Sullivan at salinas411@yahoo.com and/or watch Rosé's Facebook page for more information.