Rose D.

Bella

Rose D. Bella, of Cliffside Park passed away peacefully on August 12th  surrounded by loving family. She was 98 years old. The third of seven children, Rose was born in West New York, NJ to Giuseppe and Vincenza (LoCastro) Distefano on May 5, 1926. Times were tough, but even in her earliest years, Rose grew up with a positive attitude that was indeed the essence of who she was for all her living days. Her spirit for goodness and excellence shaped Rose's determination to live a happy and successful life. A dear friend to so many in her teenage years, she was repeatedly remembered as that vivacious, swell gal with a dazzling smile. She is still thought of in just that way.

A wonderful woman, Rose married her high school sweetheart, Robert, in 1948 and was his beloved wife for 64 years. Together they raised four daughters, Karen, Allyson, Leslie and Robin.  Rose was passionate about motherhood. Adored by her daughters, Rose was their inspiration, their guiding light who strove to instill her values in her girls. She was devoted to teaching them to be the very best they each could be. Well ahead of her time (and the women's lib movement), Rose embarked on a trailblazing career that set the bar high for her young daughters.

Rose entered the Legal Department at McGraw-Hill Publishing as one of three secretaries in 1964. She rose through the ranks to become the department's Legal Administrator. She retired after working with the company for 52 years at the young age of 86. Generations of her colleagues do attest that it was Rose who was unquestionably the rock of the Legal Department. It is truly inspiring how many have continued to stay in close touch with their trusted leader and dear friend.

One of the bittersweet realities of living an extra good long life is that so many you have dearly loved will pass on before you. So it was for Rose. Long before she was ready, Rose said goodbye to her beloved husband Robert in 2012 and two of her adoring daughters, Karen Bella in 2022 and Robin Metro in 2012. Rose survived all six of her siblings Mary Zinzi, Jean Cristaldi, Vincent Distefano, Louise Osienski, Nina Walter and John Distefano as well as her sisters-in-law Dorothy Howe and Lillian Mallon. The gifts they each left behind are their children and their children's children. Rose's many nieces and nephews continue to treasure their dear Aunt Rose. In such a large family, Rose has also been blessed to enjoy the company of the children of her many cousins.

A significant testament to Rose's legacy absolutely includes her being a treasured  friend to so many ~ too many to name here ~ but you all know who you are. Make no mistake. Rose spoke specifically about the love and gratitude she felt for each of you.

Among her four loving daughters, Rose is survived by Allyson Bella-Dodds and Leslie J. Bella. She is a beacon of light, inspiration and counsel to her adoring grandchildren, Jennifer Bella-Comerford and her husband Tom, Justin Dodds, Bella Dodds, Sebastian Sheperd, Kaitlyn Metro and her great-grandchildren Dylan and Lily Comerford and Meadow Madera. Rose is also well-loved by her two sons-in-law, John Dodds and Frank Metro, and her sister-in-law, Rose Distefano.

Rose Bella was an amazing woman who deeply loved and cared for her precious family and friends. She will long remain a light and inspiration in the hearts of all who love her.

The family invites you to celebrate Rose's life at a mass in her honor at the Church of the Epiphany, 247 Knox Avenue, Cliffside Park at 12 noon on Thursday, August 22nd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rose's memory to St. Jude's (www.stjude.org), World Central Kitchen (www.wck.org), or a  charity of your choice. For online condolences please visit www.akmacagnafuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory of Rose, please visit the Sympathy Store.