1916-2012
Rose A Leonardis was a lifelong Ironbound resident. She graduated from embalming school in 1950 and was the proprietor of the Rose A. Leonardis Funeral Home on Ferry Street after the death of her father in 1953. Rose ran the funeral home until she retired in 1999.
Rose was active in many organizations including the Saint James Hospital Ladie’s Auxiliary, NJ Funeral Directors Association, St. Jame’s Parish Council, Portuguese Scholarship Foundation at Our Lady of Fatima Church, and the Independence Park Friday Club.
There is a plaza named after her in the Ironbound at Lafayette and Jefferson.
Rose graduated St. James School and East Side High School.
Bibliography
“Rose A Leonardis” Star Ledger Apr 11, 2012
“To the Rescue” Star Ledger Apr 3, 1995
Newark News Ad, Jun 15 1952
Gilam, Dorine, “St. Jame’s fashion funderaiser” Star Ledger May 16, 1979