Rose Florence Pisani

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Rose Florence Pisani, on December 27, 2025.

Throughout her life, she exemplified grace, gratitude, altruism, and kindness, living out the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi. She will be deeply remembered and cherished by her son, Derek Dominick Pisani (Domenica Pisani), Elena Rose Delamater (James Delamater), Lisa Rose Pisani (Gary Duncan); her grandchildren, Jonathan Delamater (Melanie Lowlor), Christopher Delamater, Sera Pisani, Ryan Pisani, Eric Pisani, and Jenna Place (Kevin Place); and her great grandchildren, James Lawlor, TerraLynn Lawlor, Conor Place; and her brother, James "Jimmy Boy" Mosco.

Rose was born August 16, 1928, to Florence (Perricelli) Mosco and James Mosco, both from Italian immigrant families. As a toddler, her parents nick-named her "Honey Girl," for her gentle spirit – a name later adopted as her stage name. At three years of age, Honey Girl began music and dance lessons. By five, she was singing, playing the accordion, and tap-dancing on stages in New York City and throughout the state, consistently winning the first-prize cash awards. She once performed with Our Gang dog at the Paramount Theater in Peekskill, a venue where her grandfather had debuted as the first pianist to accompany silent films with sing-alongs guided by the iconic "bouncing ball." Much later in life, Rose discovered her mother lovingly saved every newspaper clipping from her performances. In Peekskill High School, Rose played the clarinet and was admired for her outstanding performances as Drum Majorette. She was an honor student, and after graduation, Rose worked at the local bank. From an early age, Rose played a meaningful role in supporting her family, first through her talents as a performer and later through her career at the bank. These acts of devotion were offered with gratitude, reverence, and enduring love for her parents.

In her early twenties, Rose was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident. A treasured companion, the driver was killed instantly. Rose was thrown from the car, sustaining severe back injuries. During the year, marked by physical recovery and grief, she contemplated entering the convent, but a high school friend who had recently returned from the Army learned of her situation. He began visiting her regularly, gently encouraging her to re-engage with life - often taking her for malteds at Memos, the local ice cream shop. That young man was Dominick, our father.

Rose and Dominick shared a soul-deep connection, and the depth of their love was evident throughout their marriage. Rose often said that marriage was effortless when you are with the right person, and she viewed their children as a natural extension of that love. This chapter of life was a true eutopia for Rose. From the depths of her being, she loved being Dominick's wife and mother to their three children. Her family was her life, and she devoted herself to making their lives special - not only on milestones and holidays, but in the quiet beauty of everyday moments.

Rose was thoughtful in gift-giving, carefully selecting meaningful cards and composing her own heartfelt message for each recipient. She took pride in maintaining a warm and welcoming home and attending to cleaning and ironing with meticulous care. As a master cook and baker, she carefully chose the best ingredients, infusing each recipe with love and a personal touch. Anyone who entered her home was invited to sit at her table for a homemade meal or baked treat. When hosting special dinners, she was often on her feet ensuring everyone's needs were met – an act of selfless care that brought her immense joy. When finally at rest, Rose delighted in bird watching, finding serenity in their company.

Her home was filled with happiness, laughter, and love - never an argument among the two doves. Rose was involved in her children's lives, supporting them in school and ensuring they learned sports and safety skills, things she missed out on in childhood. As an adult, Rose was determined to learn, or at least attempt, swimming, skiing, skating, and golf (sometimes outscoring our father). She had a profound love for the arts, especially opera and symphonic music, with a particular fondness for Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini.

On Father's Day, July 16, 1986, Dominick was brought home for his final moments surrounded by his family. He passed away the following morning, and with him, a part of Rose died too. Her deep grief remained throughout her life. Yet, this gentle spirit navigated life nearly 40 years without her beloved Dominick. She did so with resiliency, poise, and grace, even as the grief endured. She devoted herself to time with her children and grandchildren, caring for others, and remaining active in the community. She served as a Girl Scout Leader and once led a group to New York City to see Pope John Paul II. A devout lifelong Catholic, Rose was a faithful member of Assumption Church in Peekskill, where she married, witnessed her children receive Holy Communion and Confirmation, and honored the life of her beloved Dominick.

Rose continued to dance well into her nineties. Honey Girl, our beautiful mom, would want us to keep dancing, too. Though we are profoundly saddened by her passing, she would wish for us to live joyously, in harmony, in love, and in great care for one another – emulating the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi.

Rose cherished being surrounded by her family, especially during the sacred season of Christmas. This Christmas, she once again welcomed the entire family into her home, where she was fully in her element. The table was filled, hearts were full, and she was blessed to meet her great-grandson for the first time. Two days later, Rose was called home after sharing one final, grace-filled goodbye with family. She gave us this gift.

We deeply love you and miss you, Mama. Our love is eternal.

Throughout her life, Rose gave generously to numerous charities, always placing the needs of others before her own. Her preferred charity was the National MS Society. She would have wanted donations in her memory to support MS research and the search for a cure, in hopes that breakthroughs can come soon for her daughter Elena, dear friend Penny Seekircher, and the countless others affected by this debilitating disease. A longtime MS patient and friend, Jeff Faul, has dedicated his life to fundraising for MS by riding his bicycle for those who cannot.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that donations be made in Rose's honor through this link National MS Society via Jeff Faul:

Visitation will be held at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Assumption on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery