Rose (Rosey) M. LaTorraca Savo, 95, of New Haven, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2021 at the St. Raphael’s campus of Yale-New Haven Hospital.
She was born February 12, 1926 in New Haven to the late Donato and Theresa LaTorraca. She is survived by her loving children, Cynthia R. Savo of New Haven and Mark Savo and his wife Paula of Missouri City, TX; and her beloved grandson, Corey Savo and his fiancée, Nadia Tazehzadeh of Houston. She was predeceased by her husband, Angelo (Billy); her siblings, Mary Raffone, Phillip, Ralph, and Alphonse LaTorraca; her nephews Ralph LaTorraca, Jr., Louis Raffone, Sr., and his wife Patricia Raffone. She leaves behind family and friends who will miss her very much.
Rosey was a cook for 25 years at Romeo’s on Orange Street. Many people loved her food including the late Julia Childs, who would come to the store to have cappuccino with her when she came to New Haven.
Rosey believed that good nutrition and good genes were the keys to her longevity. Right to the end she cooked for herself and others. The week before she died she made and sent food to family friends who had lost a loved one.
Rosey was a woman with a big heart and a powerful intellect. Many people sought her out for her wise counsel and to unburden themselves of their secrets she kept to herself. She understood the challenges of being human and encouraged people to love, accept, and forgive themselves and others.
Rosey lived her life on her own terms. She was a free and progressive thinker who had the courage to swim against the tide. She shared her wisdom freely, especially with young people. Right before she died she told two Yale medical students that she had lived a long and good life, fulfilled her purpose, and was ready to die. They hadn’t yet met anyone 95 who was so clear and self-possessed. She made the decision to forego very risky surgery, choosing instead to live her last hours with her children, grandson, and his fiancée, who told her that if they have a daughter they will name her Rose in her honor. She was able to leave with a happy heart.
Our family is grateful for the amazing care Mom received at the hospital. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to two amazing organizations that align with Rosey’s concern about hunger:
World Central Kitchen (https://donate.wck.org/give/236738/#!/donation/checkout) Haven’s Harvest (https://givegreater.cfgnh.org/donate?campaign_id=82419);
Funeral information
- 9:30 a.m.: Mass at Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 9:30 am at Our Lady of Pompeii Church, 355 Foxon Road (Route 80), East Haven, CT, 203 – 469-0764
- Following Mass: Burial at All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Avenue, North Haven, CT
- 1:00 pm: Luncheon/repast at Brazi’s Italian Restaurant, 201 Food Terminal Plaza on Long Wharf