Rosemary C. Grasso (née Canavan), 90, of River Edge, died June 15, 2019. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Anthony E. Grasso. Loving mother of Jeanne Tighe, John, James and Joseph Grasso. Cherished grandmother of Heather, Holly, Ella and Julia, and great-grandmother of Jayden and Logan.
Rosemary was born in New York City to the late Josephine (née Boutilier) and Dennis A. Canavan. She graduated from Music and Art High School in New York. Rosemary earned her BA degree at Manhattanville College and her MA degree at Columbia University Teachers College. She graduated from the prestigious Julliard School of Music where she served as a Concert Master. Rosemary enjoyed her career as a professional violinist, and played in the Roxy Theater Orchestra in New York City. She gave up her professional career to marry Tony and raise a family. For more than thirty years she taught music appreciation and violin in the River Dell school system. She also taught music, violin and directed the orchestra at St. Peter The Apostle school. After retirement she continued her love of teaching at River Dell as a substitute teacher. She also gave private instruction for over 40 years at her home.
Funeral Mass Monday, June 24th, 10 AM, St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY. Visiting Sunday, June 23rd, 4-8 PM at the Beaugard-McKnight Funeral Home, 869 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge.