Rose Fitzgerald

Rose Fitzgerald, 92, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, with family by her side. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, George Fitzgerald, her sister Joane Gargiula, and her son Scott Fitzgerald.

Born on September 14, 1933, to Manuel and Mary Rios, Rose grew up in the Rockaways, New York, alongside her sisters Joane and Rita. From an early age, she carried boundless energy that would stay with her for the rest of her life.

She attended Far Rockaway High School, and at 17, met her future husband, George — who she attended Prom with and married shortly thereafter. From there, she began her professional life – building a career in banking. Working her way up from bookkeeper to teller, to head teller, and ultimately to platform assistant.

Outside of work, Rose truly lived. In her younger years, she loved to travel and explored the world with her husband George and her sister Joane, visiting countries across the globe — from Ireland and Spain to China, Australia, and beyond. Africa and Israel held a special place in her heart, and she often spoke about them with a sense of wonder, telling anyone who would listen that Israel was “a country everyone should see.”

Rose had an energy that felt endless — as if she had a battery pack on her back. That energy carried her through raising her three children and later keeping up with her grandchildren. It especially came in handy with her son Scott, whose mischievous streak kept her on her toes, and later with her granddaughter Christina, who proudly followed in his footsteps. Being a mother and a Nana were her greatest joys.

Rose is survived by her sister Rita Rios; her children George Fitzgerald and Mary Beth Fitzgerald; her grandchildren Samantha, Sarah, Christina, and Anthony Fitzgerald; her dear friend Jean McKenna; and her beloved dogs, Ginger and Olive.

A mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 4th at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church in Commack, New York.

Rose’s family finds comfort in knowing she is now reunited with some of those she loved most in this world. She is deeply loved and will be forever missed.