Rose Marie Fox

ROSE M. FOX

A long life came to an end on June 24, 2023. as Rose M. Fox passed away peacefully at the age of 92. Born in Flushing, New York on March 26, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Lucille (Locasio) Realmuto, and grew up in Woodside, New York.

In addition to her parents, Rose is preceded in death by her husband, John C. Fox, May 21, 2000, and her brother, Joseph T. Realmuto, October 3, 2011. Her memory lives on with her daughters, Lucille Levy of Wantagh, New York and Dianne Fox and her partner, Hans Cajuste, of Uniontown, Ohio, and in the many, young lives she touched during her long teaching career in the Seaford Union Free School District in Seaford, New York.

Rose graduated from Queens College, Queens, New York, at a time when only 5% of American women furthered their education beyond high school. After meeting her husband, John, walking to church, Rose began her family and soon bought a home in Wantagh, where she lived for almost 60 years. She took a ten-year break from her teaching career to raise her young daughters. Rose took pride in her home and enjoyed cooking, tearing recipes out of magazines to prepare delicious dinners every night. She went on to obtain a master’s degree and resumed her career.

Rose later became an active member of the American Association of University Women and the Massapequa Women’s Club. In retirement, she volunteered to teach religion for her parish, St. Frances De Chantal, in Wantagh.  She joined a health club, which she attended for almost 30 years, and made new friends. Rose was an avid reader, and a member of a book club, current affairs group, and an antiques club.  She enjoyed traveling, kept her mind active by solving daily word puzzles, and learned to play bridge in her 80’s.

Rose’s passing will surely be a loss to her family and many lifelong friends.

Visitation for family and friends will take place on Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM at Charles G. Schmitt Funeral Home, 3863 Merrick Rd., Seaford, NY 11783. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, July 7, 2023 at 10:00 AM, St. Frances de Chantal Church, 1309 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, NY 11793.

Following mass, interment will take place at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Blvd., Calverton, NY 11933.

Hecker-Patron Funeral Home was entrusted with Rose’s care and privileged in assisting the Fox family during this tender time.