Obituary: Rose Esposito Vona, 94, Served Husband Espresso in Naples During WWII

ROSE VONA (ESPOSITO), 94, a longtime resident of Cranston, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2016, at her home at the Hearth at Gardenside in Branford, CT. Her family is very appreciative of all the warm and loving care she received there.

Born in Naples, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Vincenzo and Letizia (Liberato) Esposito. She was married to the late Armando Vona for 60 years.

It was in Naples that Rose met and married her husband during WWII, where she served him espresso at her parents' café. She arrived in America in 1946 after the war ended. She taught herself how to speak English and prided herself on the fact that she could beat anyone in Scrabble.

Rose spent many years working in the jewelry and electronic industries. She was a talented seamstress and amazing cook. She loved cooking for her family and friends. But her favorite pastime was bargain shopping—by the time she was done with her coupons, she came home with change!

She is survived by two daughters, RoseMary Raccio and her husband Philip, and Mary Fasano and her husband Ronald. She is also survived by her loving sister, Mary Dino, whom Rose sponsored for immigration to America in 1955. Many years later she also brought over to America her sister the late Rita Esposito. She also leaves three grandchildren, Dina Contarino and Ronald and Vincent Fasano, and two great-grandchildren, Jeffrey and Julie McDonald.

Her funeral is Saturday at 8:45 a.m. from "WOODLAWN" Funeral Home 600 Pontiac Avenue Cranston with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church Cranston. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston. Calling hours Friday 4-7 p.m. Share condolences at WoodlawnGattone.com