Rosalia F. (Franzone) Gaeta

Rosalia F. (Franzone) Gaeta of Stoneham passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2024.  She is 94 years of age.

Born on Saturday, April 27, 1929 in Haverhill, Rosalia is the loving daughter of the late Guistino Franzone and Guilia (Baldassare) Franzone.  Rosalia is a warm, gentle & kind daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend who will be truly missed. 

In loving memory of Rosalia, a vibrant soul who embraced life with joy and enthusiasm. She found immense pleasure in the art of celebration, being a beloved presence at every party. Her zest for life extended beyond the dance floor, as she traveled the world, exploring new cultures and creating lasting memories.

Rosalia was not just an avid reader, but a storyteller who shared the magic of literature with those around her. Her favorite pastime was spending quality moments with her grandchildren, where laughter and love were abundant. She was often found playing cards with them, cherishing the simple joys of family.

A melody of music and the rhythm of dance echoed in her heart, leaving an indelible mark on those who shared the dance floor with her. Notably, she served as the president of the Women's Guild at the Don Orione Home in East Boston for 15 years, contributing significantly to her community.

Her devout Catholic faith was evident in her unwavering devotion to Padre Pio, the patron saint she held close to her heart. Beyond her spiritual journey, she pursued her passion for hairstyling, graduating from hairdressing school, and later owning a Dairy Queen, leaving a sweet legacy.

As we bid farewell to Rosalia, let us remember her for the joy she brought to every gathering, the stories she shared through books and travels, the laughter during playtime with her grandchildren, the graceful dance moves, and her dedicated service to the community. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she so generously gave during her remarkable journey.

Rosalia is the beloved wife of the late Ralph Gaeta.  She is the devoted mother of Maria Metcalfe and her husband Doug.   The cherished grandmother of Nicholas Metcalfe and his fiancé Rebecca Reumann and Dr. Derek Metcalfe, Rosalia is the dear sister of Frank Franzone and the late Daniel Franzone, Joseph Franzone and Irene Davis.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Rosalia’s Family on Thursday, February 22^nd from 8am – 9:30am in the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main St. (RT 28) STONEHAM.  Parking attendants and elevator are available.

A Funeral Mass Celebrating Rosalia’s Eternal Life will be held on Thursday, February 22^nd at 10am in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St. Stoneham.  Interment Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Rosalia’s memory to Belmont Hill School, 350 Prospect St. Belmont, MA 02478 or by referring to https://www.belmonthill.org or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or by referring to the link below.

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome