Rosemarie J. Gibbons

Rosemarie Jane (Casanova) Gibbons, 85, of West Haven, CT, passed away on November 23, 2024, at home with her family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in New Haven on August 27, 1939, to the late Matteo and Carmela (Vernucci) Casanova and was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, John Gibbons.
Rosemarie grew up on Brown Street in New Haven and was proud of her Italian-American heritage, especially her ties to the Wooster Street neighborhood. She attended St. Michaels School and Sacred Heart Academy, where she graduated with the highest honors. Rose was an exceptional student and athlete, earning the nickname "Muscles" for her grit on the basketball courton one of the first teams in the school's history. Throughout the years, she maintained close affinity with her Sacred Heart classmates, "The Greene Street Girls".
After high school, Rose worked as a secretary and administrative assistant for several organizations, including Connector Corporation and Beecher & Bennett Funeral Services. She later spent many years at Yale University, where she worked as Senior Administrative Assistant for the Art History Department and to the Head of Pierson College, before retiring.
Rosemarie met the love of her life, John Gibbons, on a blind date, and the two were married in 1962 at St. Michaels Church in New Haven. They moved to West Haven in 1970, where Rose became an active and devoted member of the community. A faithful parishioner at St. Pauls Church, she served on various committees and especially cherished leading Thursday night bingo in the church hall. She was also a dedicated volunteer for the West Haven Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball and softball, and Youth Hockey, and served as secretary for the Notre Dame High School Mothers Club for many years.
In her later years, Rose became an advocate for her neighborhood, working tirelessly to protect it from harmful development projects. She was a proud member of the Allingtown/West Haven Senior Center and a passionate community activist.
Rosemarie was known for her love of cooking, especially simple, Italian dishes. Her home was always open to family and friends, and she delighted in hosting holiday meals and sharing a Zuppardis Special apizza around the kitchen table. She also enjoyed spending time in her garden, appreciating the beauty of her colorful flowers each day. An avid duckpin bowler, Rose routinely had high average and led many teams to championships at both Woodlawn and Johnson Lanes over the years. She was a lifelong UConn Women's Basketball fan and never missed a game on TV. Rose was also a die-hard Mets fan, appreciating the simplicity of a good ballgame.
Traveling with her husband and friends brought Rosemarie much joy, and she made frequent bus trips to shows, casinos, and regional destinations. However, her greatest joys in life came from her family. She cherished her time annually with her family at the Casanova Family Picnic. Nana Rose took immense pride in the achievements of her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, and never missed a birthday, always sending a thoughtful, handwritten card.
Rosemarie is survived by her son, John Gibbons (Connie Wynne) of Framingham, MA; her daughter, Lorraine DiMarzo (Patrick Turner) of West Haven; seven grandchildren, Jimi DiMarzo, Lena Barragan (Carlos Barragan), Lindsay Gibbons, Ryan Gibbons, Grace Gibbons, Elizabeth Gibbons, and Jake Gibbons; her great-granddaughter, Laurelai Barragan; and her siblings Lorraine Tagliatella (Tony) and Vincent Casanova. She was predeceased by her parents, Matteo and Carmela Casanova; her sister, Florence Schroeder; and her husband, John Gibbons.
Family and friends may visit the Keenan Funeral Home, 238 Elm Street, West Haven, CT, on Friday, November 29, from 4:00-7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michaels Church of the Bl. Michael McGivney Parish, 29 Wooster Place, New Haven, CT, on Saturday, November 30, at 10:00 A.M., followed by a burial at St. Lawrence Cemetery.
The family requests that donations be made in honor of their mom to Sacred Heart Academy at https://www.sacredhearthamden.org/support/make-a-gift, or Notre Dame High School at www.NotreDameHS.com/give.
To leave a tribute or condolence, please visit www.keenanfuneralhome.com.
Services
Visitation
Friday
November 29, 2024
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Keenan Funeral Home
238 Elm Street
West Haven, CT 06516
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday
November 30, 2024
10:00 AM
St. Michael Church
29 Wooster Place
New Haven, CT 06511
Interment following funeral service
Saturday
November 30, 2024
St. Lawrence Cemetery
280 Derby Avenue
West Haven, CT 06516 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Rosemarie, please visit our Tree Store.