04/02/2026
Rose A. Castaldo
Our beloved and beautiful mother, Roseanne Jean Clark Castaldo, passed peacefully on March 26, 2026, joining the love of her life, her husband Domenic, in heaven.
Roseanne was born on February 12, 1935, in Oswego, New York, to Edward Clark and Florence Gilmore Clark. She was predeceased by her three sisters, Katherine (Steve) Stevens, Barbara (Stanley) Jodway, and Ruthy (Ace) Vescio; her seven brothers-in-law, Angelo (Florence) Castaldo, Joseph (Alma) Castaldo, Richard (Mary) Castaldo, Louis (Cynthia) Castaldo, James (Sis) Castaldo, Samuel (Anne) Castaldo, and Reverend Raymond Castaldo; and her sisters-in-law, Maryanne Castaldo and Celia (Frank) Godice. A natural caregiver, Roseanne devoted herself to others, including providing full-time care for both a sister and a sister-in-law, allowing them to remain at home, surrounded by family, through their final days.
Roseanne's love story with Domenic began at just five years old while sleigh riding. That very day, she confidently told his mother that she would one day marry him-and she kept that promise. Roseanne and Domenic were married on July 11, 1953, and built a remarkable life together filled with laughter and adventure. They shared simple joys like morning coffee and the newspaper, as well as passions for dancing to Big Band music, snow skiing, traveling the world, and raising their seven children. Though she owned her own motorcycle, Roseanne preferred riding on the back of Dom's Harley as they explored the countryside together.
After Domenic suffered a major stroke, Roseanne lovingly cared for him for the final 18 years of his life, ensuring not only his comfort but also his joy-often wearing funny hats to make him laugh. She laid him to rest on July 11, 2020, what would have been their 67th wedding anniversary - a testament to their enduring love.
Roseanne is survived by her seven children: Rick (Diana) Castaldo, Thomas (Jannina) Castaldo, Roseanne Walker (Russell, predeceased), Francis (Andrea) Castaldo, Donna (Edward) Fritz, Karen Stewart, and Joseph (Lisa) Castaldo. To her family, she was the heart of everything-their essential centerpiece, protector, and constant source of support as they navigated through life.
She is also survived by her 15 grandchildren, each of whom cherished time spent at her home watching old movies, playing cards, swimming in the pool, building ice cream sundaes at her DIY sundae bar, and setting off on road trips in her minivan, sometimes all the way across the country. Her 14 great-grandchildren were all blessed to be held in her arms and rocked to sleep in her cherished wooden rocking chair-a gift she seemed to have for every baby. Humans were not the only ones Roseanne cared for. She provided a home to several dogs, cats, chickens, a baby bunny, and even a pet racoon.
Roseanne attended high school in Oswego where she was a cheerleader before marrying Domenic. During his service in the Navy, they traveled before eventually settling in Hurley, New York, where Domenic began his career with IBM. At the age of 35, Roseanne pursued her own calling, attending BOCES to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She went on to work as a surgical nurse at Kingston Hospital, a role she loved deeply, until 1984 when she and Domenic relocated to Tokyo, Japan. There, she embraced a new culture with enthusiasm and leadership, serving as head of the American Women's Club and organizing trips throughout Asia, including to Hong Kong, South Korea, and China. Roseanne and Domenic eventually returned home to Hurley where they lived for the rest of their lives.
Throughout her life, Roseanne gave generously of her time, volunteering with numerous organizations including the PTA, Cub Scouts, St. John's Church, Meals on Wheels, the Regional Food Bank, the Ulster Performing Arts Center, the Happy Apple Thrift Shop, the Kingston Historical Society, and the Senate House. She also served on the boards of the Kingston Hospital Foundation and the Hudson Valley Senior Residence.
Roseanne's interests were as vibrant as her spirit. She delighted in simple pleasures like reading for hours at a local bookstore, as well as grand adventures exploring the art and history of countries like Italy. She loved traveling with her best friend Martha Vogt, collecting coffee table books she read cover to cover, enjoying lunch from Dallas Hot Wieners followed by a vanilla cone from the Jolly Cow, attending the theater, touring homes and gardens, and setting off across the country with just one small bag. Above all, she approached life with curiosity, optimism, and a deep appreciation for meaningful experiences-qualities she has instilled in all who know and love her. We move forward with the type of answers to our own question of, "What would Roseanne do?"
In her final months, Roseanne shared that Domenic was calling for her and even saw him at her front door. We take great comfort in knowing they are together again-perhaps dancing, just as they always did.
Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to Hudson Valley Hospice, especially Nurse January DeBellis, Chaplain Diane Epstein, and Social Worker Nora Knight, for their compassionate care over the past year.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Roseanne's memory may be made to Hudson Valley Hospice, 153 Sawkill Road, Kingston, NY 12401.
A memorial service will be held at a later date, when Roseanne will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Oswego, New York.
Finally, may we honor her legacy by living as she did, guided by the question, "What would Roseanne do?"
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