Rose J. Zuffa Daily (1919-2017)

Rose Judith Zuffa Daily achieved her ultimate reward, the gates of heaven and the welcoming arms of her husband, John, on Friday, October 20 at St. Catherine’s Hospital.   She was 21 plus years old.

Born in Kenosha, Rose was the seventh child of Josef and Hermina Zuffa.  Her early years were spent sharing life with her siblings, Manuel “Slim” Zuffa, Joseph Zuffa, Marion Zuffa Beneventi, Erna Zuffa Aten, Ann Zuffa Etchells, John (Lillian Rossa) Zuffa.  She was predeceased by her brother, Thomas Zuffa.

After graduating from Bradford High School, she attended Wilfred Academy of Beauty in Chicago, Illinois and began her career as a hairdresser, first in Chicago and then at the Vanity Shop in downtown Kenosha.

Her parents were a pivotal part of her life.  As they aged, Rose took over their care, enabling them to live out their lives in their own home.  She enrolled in the Milwaukee Business School and began her second career as a computer operator at Ladish Co., Tri-Clover Division.  

On January 22, 1983, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, she married the love of her life, John F. Daily.  They initially resided in Kenosha, relocating to Florida to join some of her siblings in the glory of retirement where it was warm. Even though she loved being in Florida, Rose always said she missed the four seasons and didn’t mind Wisconsin winters at all.  After John passed, Rose packed up all her stuff and returned to her old stomping grounds in Kenosha, reconnecting with many old friends and the greatly expanded family. 

She loved getting together for a gab-fest over a glass of wine and a serving of salmon…but don’t give her any shrimp, ever!  Her official and favorite place to gather was at The House of Gerhard where she was known by name. Rose was active with St. Anthony’s as a member of the Altar Society and as an organist. She enjoyed reading, sports and especially meetings with the Tri-Clover Luncheon Club. For many years she was involved in knitting to support the Small Miracles International Adoptions agency. 

All of Rose’s siblings were waiting for her “upstairs,” except for surviving special sister-in-law Lillian Rossa Zuffa.  Rose is also survived by nieces and nephews Joan Zuffa Lettrich, Judy Zuffa Swartz, Jerry Zuffa; Dolores Beneventi O’Neill, Pat Zuffa Murray, Kathleen Zuffa (Richard) Frederick, Michael (Kathy) Zuffa, Billy Etchells, Dianne Etchells Erb, Rick (Jeannene) Zuffa, Barbara Zuffa Petersen, and Janet (Eric) Moore.  Rose was also predeceased by her nephew Thomas (Tommy) Zuffa and niece Nancy Beneventi.  Other survivors include a multitude of great-nieces and nephews as well as great-grand nieces and nephews who were always ready to devour Rose’s special Marshmallow Caramel Treats (when she wasn’t looking)!

Rose has always been the most positive, upbeat, happy person this family has ever known.  In her honor, give a hug and smile to somebody today and tell them that they are very special to you, as our Rosie was so very special to us.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday October 26, 2017 at 5:00PM at St. Anthony Catholic Church. (corner of 22^nd Avenue and 51^st Street) Visitation with the family will be on Thursday at the church from 4:30PM until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Shalom Center, 4314 39^th Avenue, Kenosha WI 53144 would be very much appreciated.