Rose Theresa (Massimo) Cipollone

Rose Theresa Cipollone nee Massimo, died on May 5, 2020 at Vian Nursing Home in Vian, Oklahoma. She was born on January 17, 1924 in Clifton Heights, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The name on her birth certificate is Anna Rose Massimo but she was always “Rose” to her family and friends. She died at the age of 96. Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic and travel restrictions, a celebration of Rose’s life will be held at a future date. She will be buried along side her husband at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Oklahoma on May 13, 2020 with her son, Joseph, in attendance as a family representative. Sadly, due to the cemetery’s enforcement of social distancing restrictions, no other gatherings are allowed at this time. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations or other kindnesses be extended to someone in need in Rose’s name. Family would very much appreciate any memories, thoughts, prayers and anecdotes of Rose be shared on this site. Rose married Amerino John Louis Cipollone on June 15, 1946 at St. Charles Church in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. They were together and enjoyed raising and participating in the love of their children and grandchildren till Amerino’s death on March 11, 2010. The family is comforted knowing they are blissfully together again since her passing. Rose is survived by her children; Theresa Rose Wilson, Concetta Edwards, Ann Louise LaPeer (Robert), John James Cipollone (Pam), Mary Cipollone and Joseph Cipollone (Debra). She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren! She very much loved each and everyone and always so enjoyed being a part of and hearing about their lives. They have all been very special to her. Rose has also been reunited with family that preceded her; her parents, Theresa Onofrillo and Dionisio Massimo of Clifton Heights, PA., her brothers, Flaviano and Dionisio James Jr. Massimo and sister Louise Kanouse. She is “Aunt Rosie” to the many Massimo and Cipollone offspring. Rose’s siblings and their families and the extended Cipollone clan were close and supportive all of their lives and their children reap the benefits of having many cousins across this country. Due to her naturally caring, gentle and supportive nature, she had many friends that loved and supported her in return. Rose also had a surprising number of “younger” people that were important to her and that she nurtured as her own. Over time, Ron Harris became a part of our family. Rose was a graduate of the 1941 class of Clifton Heights High School and was chosen to deliver the valedictory at her graduation ceremony. Although Rose dedicated the rest of her life to caring for her husband, children and grandchildren, she was a life long learner in many pursuits. She took college level classes all of her life in the many areas that interested her and pursued studies as varied as the writings of Dante, religion studies, cake decorating, pattern drafting, and finally graduated from a Bible school in her advanced years. She enjoyed learning everything she could and modeled the enjoyment of education and knowledge to her children and grandchildren. She loved logical, intelligent discussions at the family dinner table and the often-silly discussions too. Finally, and above all, Rose loved Our Lord. Her life was living example of “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:32). When I had asked what was the most important item to her in the Bible, she quoted to me, without hesitation, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this; ‘love your neighbor as yourself’. There is no commandment greater that these.” She lived up to and espoused these biblical quotes all of her life. The family of Rose Theresa Cipollone has entrusted her cremation and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Rose Theresa (Massimo) Cipollone

January 17, 1924 - May 5, 2020