Obituary of Rosemarie M. Kelly

South Plainfield, NJ – Rosemarie M. Kelly, known to many as “Rose” or “Mush,” passed away at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick on September 25, 2022.  Born in Elizabeth to the late Joseph and Rita (LaBrera) Mortellito, Rose graduated Batton High School in 1953.  She lived in Garwood, Elizabeth, Kirtland, OH and Metuchen before settling in South Plainfield in 1975.

She worked as a secretary for the telephone company and then at Western Electrical Instrument where she met the love of her life; the late Richard, Sr.  Rose enjoyed staying home caring for her family.  In 1990, Rose went back to work where she was employed at UMDNJ until 2000.  For many years, she volunteered for the Hospice Program at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center and at the Nearly New Shop, both in Plainfield.

Rose loved opera, baking, gardening and crocheting.

Predeceased by her son Joseph Paul and her husband Richard, Sr., Rose leaves behind her son Rick and his wife Sandi of Piscataway.  She will be missed deeply by her three grandchildren; Amanda (Lizzie,) Rachael (Camil,) and Eric (Stephanie) as well as her brother Ben Mortellito and his wife Giovanna of Nevada and many extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held at McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 on Friday, September 30, 2022 from 4-7pm and on Saturday beginning 9:30am.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 10:00am.  Rose will be laid to rest beside her husband at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Rose’s memory to the charity of your choice.