Roseanne Santanna

Roseanne Santanna passed away on February 26th, 2023, at Overlook Hospital, peacefully and surrounded by her family.  She was 79 years old.  

Roseanne was born and raised in NYC's Little Italy, where she lived on Mulberry Street, until she was 21.  In an era when children were meant to be seen and not heard, Roseanne and her younger sister Laura tested the patience of their parents, Lena and Joseph, by ensuring they were both seen and heard.  

After a brief courtship, Roseanne married Gabe Santanna in 1977.  Moving to New Jersey, they started a life together, had two children, a daughter Andrea and a son Charles.  While New Jersey was where she lived, Roseanne always considered herself a New Yorker.  Being from NYC was a great sense of pride for Roseanne, and over their 45 years of marriage, Gabe made hundreds of trips to NYC for plays, festivals, dinners, or to see family upon her request.  

Roseanne was happiest when surrounded by family and friends.  This happiness took shape throughout her life in many forms.  Whether it was going to an Elvis concert with her sister in Las Vegas, traveling to Europe with close friend Raini (where they ran into film star Robert Mitchum), or just sitting around a table drinking coffee with her aunts and uncles.  She held her family and friends in the highest esteem.  Being with loved ones sharing time, and laughing was her true passion until her very last day.  

Roseanne is survived by her husband Gabe Santanna, children Andrea and Charles Santanna, brother-in-law Jerry Saporito, sisters-in-law Nancy and Gail Santanna, nieces Joanna Saporito and Margaret McMenamin, nephews Anthony Saporito and Vincent Santanna, four great-nieces and three great-nephews, and too many friends to count.  Roseanne is predeceased by her parents Lena and Joseph Santaromita, and sister Laura Saporito.  All these people and more she loves endlessly.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roseanne’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice. 

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