Obituary of Rose Ann (Smith) Gasparro

Rose Ann (Smith) Gasparro, age 73, of Poughkeepsie, NY, died Monday, March 8, 2021 at The Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing at River Valley. Although Rose Ann’s heart failed suddenly, as it contained a sky’s worth of love, her radiant essence will endure as a beacon of joy and grace for all of her beloved family members and friends

Rose Ann’s greatest gift was her compassionate, generous nature; her bright smile, kind disposition, and vibrant laugh were cherished outward reflections of the distinct inner-power she held to care about and uplift others, whether they were close to her or complete strangers. Rose Ann was an incredible, joyous cook, and her signature dishes were always perfectly seasoned and brought to the table (or packed in Tupperware and forced into your hands) with love. Which is to say—from her pasta di fagioli to her New York cheesecake to her Irish soda bread, across the years, Rose Ann’s countless home-cooked creations nourished as many souls as stomachs. 

Born in Queens, New York, on September 24, 1947, Rose Ann was the proud Irish-American daughter of the late Edward Patrick and the late Ellie (Graham) Smith.

Rose Ann thrived, enjoyed, and was greatly valued across a long-term career in retail management and banking, but she drew her deepest sense of purpose from being a devoted mother, wife, daughter, and sister. Rose Ann’s husband Danny was her best friend across more than forty years, and co-creating a family bonded by unconditional love was her truest calling and proudest achievement.

Rose Ann is survived by her sister Kathleen, her son Sean, and her daughter Danielle. She was predeceased by her husband Daniel, and her brothers and sisters Edward, Mora, Stephen, Charles, Andrew, Micky, Eileen, and Robert. The love, respect and gratitude Rose Ann felt for—and gave to—her husband, children, mother, and siblings, fueled her life with meaning.

A memorial Catholic mass that will include a eulogy delivered by Rose Ann’s daughter Danielle will be held at 10:00am Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Church of the Holy Trinity, 775 Main St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.

Rose Ann’s family welcomes and would be grateful to receive any thoughts of care and connection expressed in her honor.