Rose Kelly

Rose Kelly (née Semeraro), of Point Pleasant, N.J., (and formerly of Pompton Plains, N.J.) affectionately known to her family as “Nana Banana,” passed away peacefully with her family beside her on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. She was 88.
Rose was born on Aug. 14, 1929, in Paterson, N.J., to her parents, Cosimo and Angelina Semeraro. She grew up in a full house with four sisters and two brothers.
Beginning in 1948, she had an exciting career working at Bell Atlantic of New Jersey, holding various positions. Her favorite being an operator on the night shift – which she shared many hilarious stories about her late night calls.
In 1958 she took a 28-year “maternity leave” after the birth of her first child and returned back to work at Bell Atlantic of New Jersey in 1986.
After 10 more years she retired in 1996.
She met Bill Kelly in 1954 at the “Polish Dance Hall” in Passaic, N.J. They married on Sept. 10, 1955. Most of their married life was spent living in Pompton Plains, where many lifelong friendships were made. Bill and Rose shared 62 wonderful years together.
The way she lived her life was a true example of pure love, eternal hope and endless charity. She spent years in selfless service to others, as a caregiver to family and friends, always putting others before herself.
Rose was a devoted wife and loving mother. She was very proud of her children and especially her grandchildren, whom were her greatest joy in her later years. She cherished every moment spent with them.
Our hearts are filled with the love she gave us. She was our guiding light and now our guardian angel.
Rose is survived by her loving husband Bill; daughter and son-in-law Erin and William Vonderhorst of Warwick; her daughter and son-in-law Colleen and Michael Caravaglia of New York City; her son and daughter-in-law Bill and Laura Kelly of Montville, N.J.; six grandchildren: Maegan and Max Vonderhorst, Julia and Madeleine Kelly and Angela and Joseph Caravaglia; three sisters: Catherine, Lea and Lookie; and many beloved nieces, nephews and life long friends.
Rose is preceded in death by her sister Antoinette and brothers Frank and Michael (Arky).
A funeral service will take place on Friday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m. at Saint Stephen’s Catholic Church in Warwick. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Rose’s life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rose’s favorite charity, the Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, Warwick. For further information or to send an online condolence, see www.lsvpmemorialhome.com.