Rose Coppola Gambardella, 97, North Haven passed away on Friday, February 18th, 2022 at the Hamden Health Care Center. She was born in New Haven on June 11, 1924, daughter of the late Giacomo and Almerinda Coppola and wife of her late beloved husband, Albert Gambardella Sr. Sister of Santa (Sandy) Spontino of Wallingford and the late Mary Dagliere and Laura Landicina. Also predeceased by nephew Joseph Landicina. Rose leaves to cherish her memory, her son Albert (Daria) Gambardella of North Haven, grandchildren Craig (Alexis) Gambardella of Guilford and Carissa (Jared) Somody of Wallingford. Also survived by her beloved and most cherished great-grandchildren, Jordyn Gianna Gambardella, Luca Joseph Somody and Livianna Rose (her namesake) Somody. Also survived by nephew Dennis (Maureen) Dagliere of North Haven, nephew Ronald Landicina of North Haven, great nephews Dean (Caleen) Dagliere of South Carolina and David (Stephanie) Dagliere of North Branford and their children great, great nieces Gracie and Ellie Dagliere. Rose, also known to her family as Nana, Great Nana and Auntie, was a very quiet, religious woman. She never had a cross word to say about anyone and loved her family unconditionally. Where there was Poppy Al, there was Nana Rose at every grandchildren’s sporting events, birthdays, dance recitals, graduations. She thought nothing of taking Poppy Al to find that special trinket for the grandkids whether it be from New Hampshire to Florida or all the way to California. You could always find her saying the rosary or in the kitchen frying her meatballs for her sauce, chicken cutlets and making chicken soup for the “kids”. She always looked forward to preparing Christmas Eve “7 fish” dinner (even though she only at 1 fish) and baking her famous cookies for everyone’s special occasions. Until a few years ago, she loved going to the gym with her friend Anne and breakfast at the diner. She enjoyed the casino, bingo, the Yankees, UConn women’s basketball. If sports were on, she was watching, no matter what or who was playing. She also loved dog sitting her beloved grand dog, Rocky. If you asked her what the secret to longevity is, she would say “I never drank a drop of alcohol and always ordered plain and hot mashed potatoes.” The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Lorenzo Galante whose care she was under for many years. Also, her at home caregivers Joy and LaDonna who treated her with the utmost respect and dignity. She loved attending the Clelian Center and the family wishes to thank them for embracing Rose for the short time she was able to attend. Lastly to the Hamden Healthcare staff, especially Spring Glen and Robin in Recreation for their compassionate care of our beloved Mom, Nana, and Great Nana.
The visiting hours will be Wednesday morning, Feb. 23rd from 9:30 to 10:30 at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A service will be conducted in the funeral home at 10:30. A committal service will follow in All Saints Cemetery.
As I read your precious Rose’s obituary, I recalled the times the my wife Debbie and I (Carissa’s mother and father-in-law and Jared’s dad) were privileged to be with her at a family gathering. We certainly experienced the loving, compassionate, enjoyable, positive, fun person that you’ve captured in these words. Our hearts are with you all as you say goodbye and look forward to a “Hello” some day. Be comforted and blessed as, yet again, you honor this precious lady.