Rose Marie Paolino

On Monday, March 2, 2020, Rose Marie Paolino, beloved daughter, cousin, and friend passed away at the age of 86, or as her Grandma Stefanelli used to say, with her feet in her 87th year.

Rose was born on October 31, 1933 in Ashtabula, Ohio the Alfonso and Filomena (Stefanelli) Paolino. She was born in their 12th year of marriage and was their only child—a miracle baby who grew into an independent yet selfless woman.

Wishing to help her financially-strapped parents, Rose enrolled in a business program during her senior year of high School because it allowed her to work part time. Her teacher quickly realized Rose’s business acumen and placed her at Ashtabula Bow Socket—a job that paid 96.5 cents an hour, twice what the other girls in the class were making at their placements.

After graduating at the top of the business program, ABS offered her a full time position in payroll. Soon Rose worked her way up to be a purchasing agent.  At one point she was told that she was one of the highest paid women in Ashtabula.  This trailblazer worked at ABS from 1950 till the company closed in 1982.

From there Rose accepted a job at Dave Marshall Fabricating where she worked for four years. She would have liked to be longer, but her mother fell and broke her hip. Rather than put Florence into a nursing home, Rose chose to retire early and be her mother’s caregiver.

Rose had a passion for writing and genealogy. For several years she worked diligently on detailed genealogy books complete with pictures for her entire extended family and various friends.  She even wrote a memoir that her family will treasure always. Rose was happiest and most fulfilled sitting at her computer and working on a project.  She also loved all things Italian. She spoke the language fluently and traveled to Italy several times. Rose made friends easily and kept in constant touch with all of them whether they lived across town, across the county  or across the world. She will be missed.

Rose was preceded in death by her father , Alfonso, and her mother Florence. She is survived by many first and second cousins who consider her a sister and a friend.

Visitation will be on Saturday, march 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 at Guerriero Funeral Home 1550 West 19th St. in Ashtabula. Mass will follow at 12:30 in Our Lady of Peace Parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Condolence can be made at guerrierofuneralhome.com

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