Rose M. Leone

Rose M. Leone of Lynnfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Rose was 99 years old.
She was born on June 25, 1926, in Boston Massachusetts, the daughter of Raffaella (Solimine) and Vincenzo Nazzaro, along with her older brother Salvatore and younger sister Eleanor. Tragedy struck when Vincenzo died while the children were very young. Through this hardship the family formed a deep, loving, and enduring bond that lasted throughout their lives. Rose looked up to her big brother and was so proud of her little sister.
She was a graduate of Fitton High School in East Boston, Class of 1942 and once represented her school in the city wide spelling bee. Rose would often say that she received an excellent education from "the Sisters."
Rose made many childhood friends in the old neighborhood, and these friendships lasted a lifetime. She also met Domenic Leone during this period and the two became sweethearts, married in 1946, spent many happy years together, and were completely devoted to one another. They moved to Melrose in 1958 where Rose was a loving mother to their four children. The family enjoyed a happy life in a wonderful neighborhood of close-knit families.
Rose enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family and friends and the weekly gatherings around the dining room table on Tuesday afternoons were always so much fun! She was an excellent cook and there was always something on the stove. She was an active member of St. Mary's parish, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, and the Melrose Veterans group. She was an excellent Bridge player and participated in many weekly games at the Melrose and Stoneham Senior centers. Rose enjoyed listening to music (all genres) and singing. She had a beautiful voice and sang at church and around the house. She was also an avid reader, enjoyed traveling with her girlfriends, and taking daytrips to Gloucester to enjoy lunch and walks along the ocean.
Rose was the beloved wife of 57 years to the late Domenic D. Leone and predeceased by her parents, brother, sister, and son Mark. She was the devoted mother of Andrea and Arthur Poulos of Malden, Jeanmarie Leone of Belchertown, Matthew Leone and Jane Menton of Wakefield. She loved her grandchildren Jennifer Poulos of Delray Beach, Florida, James and Jennifer Poulos of Charlestown, Alexander Leone-Forgette of Amherst, and Tim Leone-Forgette of Belchertown. She was thrilled to meet her great grandchildren Harry and Tess Poulos and is also survived by many loving, nephews, nieces, and friends.
The family truly appreciates your love and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Boston Children's Hospital or Perkins School for the Blind.
Her departure fills us with great sorrow, but is balanced by the knowledge that she lived a full and joyful life, and we were able to share in that life until the age of 99.
We are thankful for the love and care shown to Rose by the staff and residents of Sunrise Assisted Living in Lynnfield, Jill Flemming her PCP, and the healthcare professionals at Winchester and Lahey hospitals.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster Street, Melrose, on Saturday, September 13, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrating Rose's life at St. Mary's parish at 11:00 a.m. After the mass, internment will commence at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose.