Rose Marie Heck

In Loving Memory of Rose

Rose Marie Heck (nee Ciccolella) 93, of Toms River formerly of Hasbrouck Heights passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Born in Hoboken, New Jersey to the late Genaro and Anna Ciccolella. Rose was a full-time legislator. She served four terms as Mayor of Hasbrouck Heights across two separate periods (1988-1995 and 2008-2015), making her the first woman elected to the borough council and one of its longest-serving leaders.

Rose was a dedicated public servant and a passionate advocate for her community, whose impact will be felt for generations to come. She served as a Commissioner on the Bergen County Utility Authority from 1989 to 1991, and as chair of the County Community Development Committee from 1987 to 1990, demonstrating her commitment to improving public services and community well-being.

Rose's distinguished career in public service continued with her 13-year tenure in the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 38th Legislative District from 1991 to 2003. Throughout her legislative service, she held numerous leadership positions, including Majority Conference Leader (2000-2001), chair of the Policy and Regulatory Oversight Committee (1996-1999), and chair of the Advisory Council on Women. Rose championed major legislation such as the Police Officers Bill of Rights, Child Abuse Prevention, Victim Advocacy, and Tax Relief. She was the proud sponsor of Assembly Bill No. 1301, which established a network of specialized centers addressing child abuse in New Jersey. Her vision and leadership were instrumental in founding the Audrey Hepburn Children's House, a state-designated Regional Diagnostic Center for child abuse and neglect at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital within Hackensack University Medical Center.

Rose was also a passionate advocate for women. One of her most notable achievements came in 1995, when she spearheaded bipartisan legislation to end "drive-through deliveries" where insurance companies limited hospital stays for mothers and newborns to 12-24 hours. A mother of four, she was horrified by the practice and rallied against it on the floor of the Assembly to thunderous applause. She was widely praised when the bill became law, requiring coverage for at least 48 hours. Rose also led efforts to strengthen laws to help protect victims of domestic violence and their children.

A long-term champion for public transportation, Rose was a tireless advocate for the expansion of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. Her passion for transit improvements continued beyond her legislative career, as she chaired the NJ Association of Railroad Passengers (NJ-ARP) Light Rail Panel and continued to lobby for enhanced transit options across the region. Rose's legacy is deeply woven into the foundational planning and development of New Jersey's modern light rail system.

Before retiring, Rose made her mark in journalism, serving as publisher, editor, business manager, and advertising director for two weekly newspapers. Her dedication to community service extended to roles such as board member of Shelter Our Sisters, First Vice President of the Bergen County League of Municipalities, and chair of the Southwest Community Development Block Grant Committee, among many other organizations.

Rose was the beloved wife of the late Raymond L. Heck. She was a devoted sister of Ann Ciccolella and predeceased siblings Anthony and Theresa. She was a loving mother to Nancy Radwin (Anthony Troisi), Laury LaCava (Thomas), Rosemary Rakus (Charles), and the late Suzan Carresse. Rose cherished her grandchildren-Scott and Jeffrey Radwin, Michael and Danielle LaCava, Anthony and Taylor LaCava, Joseph LaCava and fiancé Amanda Rutter, Jessica and Blake Hughes, Alec and Emily Carresse-and great-grandchildren Julianna Rose and Thomas Michael LaCava, Capri Isabela, Siena Leigh and Lucia Alison LaCava, and Ayla Rose and Connor Blake Hughes. Her love for her family was boundless, and she leaves behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and kindness that will be treasured always.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rose's memory may be made to Tackle Kids Cancer, c/o the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation. Her unwavering commitment to helping others continues through every life she touched.

Funeral from Costa Memorial Home Boulevard and Central Avenue in Hasbrouck Heights on Friday, March 13th at 10:30 AM. Funeral Liturgy from Corpus Christi R.C. Church in Hasbrouck Heights at 11:30 AM. Entombment following at Madonna Cemetery & Mausoleum, Fort Lee. Visitation Thursday, March 12th from 3 - 7 PM at the funeral home.