Rosalie B. Rusy

Rosalie Rusy (Rapisarda) was born on July 12, 1938 and passed on April 15, 2023 at the age of 84.  Rosalie is survived by her children and spouses Peter (Teresa), Michelle (Mark) and Rob (Beth), grandchildren Damon, Derek, Isabella, Dylan, and Charlie, as well her sister Marie Volpe, and brother James Rapisarda, and their families. 

Ro was born in Brooklyn, spending her childhood there and in Sound Beach, moved to Islip as an adult with her young family, before settling in St. James in the 1970s with her husband Bob and their children.  There, she was active in Head of the Harbor politics (the Sunshine Party and HOH Civic Association), owned a business in Port Jefferson (The Factory), and lived an unabashedly optimistic and full life.  She and Bob boated together with their close friends - up and down the eastern seaboard, and throughout the Caribbean.

Ro was the organizer of innumerable parties and was known as ‘the best’ cook and baker to the lucky ones.  She was an avid gardener and sun worshipper – beach, pool, boat - or all of the above.  She managed her St James-Setauket tennis team for a number of years.  In later years, She was a 10-year volunteer at Mather Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to make donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.