Obituary of Rosella M. DiGuido

Celebrating the Life of Rosella Marie DiGuido 1933 – 2026 On Sunday, May 24, 2026, Rosella Marie DiGuido passed away peacefully at her home in Delray Beach, Florida, leaving behind a profound legacy of faith, family, and love at the age of 93. Her story began in Brooklyn, New York, where she was born Rosella Marie Giannettino. As the eldest of Rose and Michael Giannettino's five children, she held the unique distinction of being the only sibling born in a hospital—Coney Island Hospital. Raised on Dean Street, Rosella attended St. Joseph's School right across from her home. From a young age, her nurturing spirit was clear as she tenderly helped care for her grandmother, who had lost her sight at age 50. After a few years working for the Consolidated Edison Company, fate intervened in Prospect Park, where she met George DiGuido, a dedicated New York City Police Officer. They wed and began their life together in Brooklyn, first at 406 East 16th Street, and later moving down the block to 480 East 16th Street to accommodate their beautifully growing family of seven children. Rosella poured her heart into her role as a mother, staying active in her children's church and school communities. Later in life, she and George moved to 7169 Peri Lane to be near her sisters, and eventually embraced the "snowbird" lifestyle in Hollywood, Florida. Those years were filled with sunshine, laughter, gardening, card games, and bingo for Rosella, while George enjoyed bocce and the local casino alongside cherished friends and family. Together, George and Rosella shared 52 years of devotion. A highlight of their journey was their 50th wedding anniversary, where they renewed their sacred vows surrounded by loved ones at Mary Queen of Heaven parish—the same Brooklyn church where their marriage began. Following George's passing, Rosella returned to New York, settling at 71 Topside Lane in Staten Island to be near her family. Rosella's life was defined by service. She generously volunteered for Methodist Hospital, the Knights of Columbus, various women's and Italian American clubs, High School Parents' Associations, and served faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister. Yet, her crowning achievement was her family; she was a devoted mother of 7, grandmother of 15, and great-grandmother of 16. A woman of deep and unshakeable Catholic faith, Rosella found comfort in reading, cooking, and praying daily, often tuning in to watch Mass on television. Her spiritual journey connected her to many communities over the years, including Holy Innocents, St. Bernard's in Bergen Beach, St. Joseph's/St. Thomas in Staten Island, and parishes across Hollywood and Pembroke Pines, Florida. She is predeceased by her parents; her sisters, Louise Santostefano, Barbara Giannettino, and Ida Giannettino (with whom she shared her home in Delray Beach); and her sister-in-law, Eleanor Giannettino. Her legacy lives on through her children and their spouses: Alexander and Chris DiGuido; Philomena and Dave Strompf; Rose and Perry LaMorte; Michael and Angela DiGuido; George and Mellie DiGuido; James and Lydia DiGuido; and Mary and Carl Sperrazza. In a local newspaper interview last year, Rosella was asked if she would change anything about her past. Her answer was a resounding, "NOTHING." Though our grief is heavy, we are endlessly grateful for the 93 years we shared with her. She truly had a wonderful life. In honor of her beautiful spirit, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a charity close to her heart.