BORDOGNA ROSEMARY "ROSE" ELIZABETH (MARUCO) Rosemary left this world peacefully on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, in Monroeville at her notorious age of "39 and holding." And the mystery continues. Born and raised in Pitcairn to parents Joseph and Mary (Ross) Maruco, Rose had an independent streak, and ventured out as a young woman to enjoy living and working in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The stories she could tell! She then met Guy "Tunney" Bordogna, who was smitten at first sight and pursued her relentlessly. On April 6, 1946, they married and settled in East Pittsburgh to raise their family. They remained residents of Bessemer Terrace until their move to Monroeville in the late 1970s. During her time in East Pittsburgh, Rose was active in the St. William Altar Society and volunteered for years in the school cafeteria. You could find her on Sundays in the front pew at 8 a.m. Mass. As a proud mom, she spent many a day at baseball games, dance recitals, Girl Scout outings, and school plays. She was also quite the artist! Rose was an accomplished baker and cook, who loved her home and was content to be there. Whether it was creating a special Sunday dinner, baking iced nut cookies or her renowned red devil's food cake (which no one else could duplicate), there was no place she would rather be. Many holidays and birthdays were celebrated in the "house on the hill," surrounded by family and friends. Rose also loved playing cards, and thoroughly enjoyed hosting her girlfriends at card club - they were together for decades! Laughter from Emily, Ann, Jeannie, Minnie, Gwen, Mary, Glady, Mim, and Helen reverberated throughout the house, with a little help from their favorite sloe gin fizz or whiskey sours. When she could be persuaded to attend a wedding or social event, Rose was the life of the party - and forgot that she didn't want to be there! She loved to laugh - and enjoyed talking with people, as she smoked her cigarette and drank coffee. Smiles were aplenty when she was around - and her colorful language was a bonus. And, if dancing was involved, she and Tunney were a sight to behold, moving in step, across the dance floor. A football fan to the end, Rose looked forward to the start of each season, following the draft, watching college ball on Saturdays and her Steelers on Sundays. She was even known to watch re-runs on the NFL channel, as long as they didn't conflict with one of her favorite Hallmark movies. Rose was predeceased by her husband, Tunney, in 2006. As the eighth of 10 children, two of whom passed at a young age, Rose was also predeceased by her brothers, Bill (Honey), Carmie (Carmella), Dookey (Martha), and Art (Ann) Maruco; along with sisters, Jennie (John) Loffredo, Alvie (Emanuel) Loffredo, and Angie (Rick Aiello, and John) French; Rose is survived by her son, Raymond; daughter, Marianne; and granddog, Frankie, along with 16 nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed, but remembered always as a great wife, mom, aunt, friend, and neighbor to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Friends are welcome on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC., Turtle Creek / Monroeville Chapel, 1111 Monroeville Ave., Turtle Creek, PA 15145, 412-823-9350 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Colman Church, Turtle Creek, on Friday at 10 a.m. Rose will be laid to rest in Good Shepherd Cemetery in Monroeville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
