Rose Mary Pintozzi

Rose Mary Pintozzi age 95, passed away peacefully on Tuesday June 26th at the loving community of the Norse Retirement Home in Seattle, Washington.  Rose was born on June 4, 1923 in South Chicago to Italian born parents, Rachela Palumbo and Roberto Graziano.  She was the oldest of 4 children, brother Louie Graziano, sister Carmella Phillips and sister Mary Hanover.  She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings and son Frank.

Rose grew up in the Rogers Park area of Chicago where her father had a shoe repair shop and her mother was a seamstress.  She attended St. Gertrude’s Grade School, Immaculata High School and business school.  After graduation, she became employed as a secretary and in her spare time frequented the big band ballrooms of that era where she met her husband Frank one stormy eve, January 7, 1943.  Their first formal date was at the 5100 Club Broadway in Chicago, December 14, 1943.  Rose and Frank were married on June 24, 1944 at St Gertrude’s Church with 350 relatives and friends attending the reception in downtown Chicago.   They were blessed with 5 children, Frank, Rachelle, Joseph, Antoinette and Robert, 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 16 nieces and nephews.

In 1976, Rose moved to California to be near her surviving Father and 2 siblings.  She remained in California for the next 34 years.  Having a deep love for dancing, Rose could always be found at many of the famous dance halls around Hollywood, sometimes spending hours on a bus just to reach her destination.  She also took up golf, playing at the course near Griffith Park.

Rose had a strong faith in God and became deeply involved with the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hollywood where she volunteered to direct the children’s choir and participated in many of the church activities.  In 2010 Rose moved to Seattle to be near her 2 daughters, first living at the Ballard Landmark Senior Living and then to Norse Retirement Home.  She would always be the first one on the dance floor when the entertainment included a dance band.

The family wishes to express their utmost gratitude to all the employees of the Norse Home for their love and kindness to Rose.  Your kind thoughts and love will forever be in our hearts.

A memorial and celebration of Rose’s life will be held on Saturday, August 4 at 11:00am at:

Mary Hill Cemetery Chapel
8600 N Milwaukee Ave
Niles, Illinois  60714

This will be followed by a luncheon at:

Amici Ristorante
7620 Milwaukee Ave
Niles, Illinois  60714

Please feel free to bring photos and memories of Rose to share as we celebrate her love of life and powerful faith and trust in God.  In lieu of flowers, please give your loved ones a big hug.