Rose Marie Miletello

Rose Marie Miletello's life was a tapestry of faith, resilience, and love woven across two homes-Louisiana and Florida. Born in New Roads, Louisiana, on January 26, 1953, to Salvadore and Margaret Miletello, Rose was one of twelve siblings. She spent her early years in Maringouin and Livonia. In the 1970s, she lived in Missouri for over two years, where she gave birth to her two sons, W. James Miletello and Joseph J. Miletello. She returned to Baton Rouge in the late 1970s and later settled in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1987, where she raised her children. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, she spent several years back in Louisiana before returning once more to Florida, making Putnam County her home until her passing in 2025.

Rose was a woman of many journeys and dimensions. She was beloved by all who knew her, each person seeing a different facet of her warmth, humor, and depth. Her relationship with God was the foundation of her life-a constant source of strength and grace, especially in her later years. She was a faithful member of Open Bible Church in East Palatka, Florida, and of Faith Baptist Church in Livonia, Louisiana, during her time there.

A true lover of the outdoors, Rose found peace in the simple joys of fishing and being close to nature. Affectionately known as "Mama Rose" by many, she was known for spending time with community youth-taking them fishing, camping, or simply offering a kind word and steady presence in moments of need. She also found meaning and community in her work in food service, retail, and business support-especially in thrift, resale, and landscaping-endeavors that reflected her creativity, compassion, and eye for hidden beauty.

Rose was a survivor in every sense of the word. She faced health struggles and life's challenges with unshakable courage, her faith serving as both compass and anchor. Her tenacity, humor, and ability to find light in hardship inspired everyone who knew her.

During her retirement years, Rose became a devoted family historian. She spent countless hours researching her lineage and curating historical information for the Italians of Southern Louisiana community. She possessed both a storyteller's heart and a historian's precision, authoring several pieces that celebrated the Italian immigrants who helped shape Louisiana's cultural, economic, and culinary heritage.

Rose is survived by her two sons, W. James and Joseph Miletello; three stepchildren, David Harris, Bo Harris, and Amber Harris; six grandchildren, Priscilla Denise, Andreya, Charles, Lana Rose, Jace, and Julian; and two great-grandchildren, Uriah and Roman. She is also survived by her beloved partner of more than twenty years, Santos Fierros Leon, who provided her with steadfast love, care, and companionship throughout her later life.

Rose's remains will be cremated to honor her interstate roots and enduring family connections. For information on services for Rose, please contact the family.

Though her earthly life has come to a close, Rose's legacy continues through the love she gave, the stories she preserved, and the faith that sustained her. Her family takes comfort in knowing that, true to her spirit, she has simply cast her line into the sweet by and by-fishing in eternal waters where peace never ends.