Rosa (Ragno) Giarrusso

age 89, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, in Cranston, Rhode Island, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Vieste, Italy, to the late Giovanni Ragno and Francesca Cariglia. Rosa carried her southern Italian roots with pride throughout her life.

In 1966, she immigrated to the United States with her beloved husband, the late Leonardo Giarrusso, to whom she was devoted for 62 years, and their five young sons. Together, they built a life grounded in family, tradition, hard work, and unconditional love. Rosa spent most of her life in Johnston, Rhode Island, later dividing her time in Hallandale, Florida, where her warmth and presence were felt by all who knew her.

Rosa was the proud and loving mother and cherished mother in law of Angelo and his wife Gina of Narragansett; Giovanni and his wife Doreen of Scituate; Matteo and his wife Anne of Warwick; Antonio and his wife Janet of Jamestown; and Franco and his wife Karen of Wakefield. Her family was her greatest joy and life’s proudest accomplishment. Her boys affectionately called her “Sweet,” a name that became synonymous with who she was: gentle, nurturing, generous, and deeply beloved by all. That sweetness extended far beyond her immediate family—Rosa was cherished by her 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren (predeceased grandson, Lennie Giarrusso), all of whom were blessed by her love and endless hugs and kisses. She was the dear sister of Carmela Savastano and Nicasio Ragno of Milan, Italy, and the late Maria Ragno.

Known as the “Mayor of Parker Dorado,” in Hallandale Beach, Florida, Rosa had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome, to know her was to be family. You could arrive at her home morning, noon, or night, and you would leave stuffed to the brim with the best meal you ever had in your life. To be loved by Rosa was to be fed—abundantly, joyfully, and whether or not you were hungry. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, and her Sunday dinner tables, holiday gatherings, and everyday meals were legendary, filled with incredible food, laughter, and generations gathered together.

Rosa embodied the true spirit of a matriarch—selfless, strong, nurturing, and resilient. She was both tender and a powerhouse: a woman who could generously care for her family while also outwalking anyone who dared to join her on the beach. She hosted holidays with grace, her home, table and heart always overflowing with an outpouring of love.

An expert crochet and knitter, Rosa created baby blankets, scarves, hats, and headbands and more for her family. Her selflessness extended beyond her home—she knitted countless scarves for the U.S. military, and other church organizations, donating many bags filled with her handmade work, each stitch a quiet act of love and service for this country she loved so much.

Above all, Rosa created a legacy—one rooted in strong values, deep family bonds, generosity, faith, and love expressed through nourishment and presence. She was The Italian Nonna to all, a second mother to many, and a friend to anyone lucky enough to cross her path. Her influence will continue to ripple through the generations she raised, loved, and fed so well

Rosa Giarrusso will be remembered for her strength, her sweetness, her unmatched hospitality, and the profound love she gave so freely. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on at every family table, in every shared meal, and in the countless lives she touched.

Even in her later years and especially while residing at Cra - Mar Meadows since June 2025, Rosa formed meaningful and loving relationships with all of those around her, fellow residents and staff members. Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to Karen DerBedrosian and the entire staff and residents at Cra -Mar Meadows who became part of our extended family. We would also like to extend our deepest appreciation to Continuum Hospice Care of RI and to our Sister in Law, Debbie Giarrusso for their countless hours of love and support given to our sweet, sweet, sweet mother and the heart of our family.

Her funeral will be held from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in Holy Apostles Church, Cranston. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours will be held Saturday morning from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

The Funeral Mass will be LIVESTREAMED via the Nardolillo Funeral Home Facebook Page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association of RI, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906.