Rozanne M. Monteparo

Rozanne M. Monteparo, 80, died peacefully on August 20, 2024 after a long illness. Rozanne (Ro, Mom, Aunt Ro, Grandma) is survived by many who loved her. The famous quote “She never met a stranger. Every person in the world, to her, was just a friend she hadn’t yet met.” describes Rozanne perfectly. She had a gift for making everyone she loved feel like family, and everyone in her family felt very loved. Rozanne’s house was that house where you knew you were always welcome-whether it be a big holiday party or quiet cup of coffee, the door was always open. The only thing you had to do in return was let her feed you!

Rozanne is survived by her beloved daughters, Rochelle Garnett of Rye, NY and Sandra Monteparo of Brooklyn, NY, along with their spouses, Steve Garnett and Scott Schlachter. Rozanne adored her five grandchildren: Ella, Jack, Charlie, Oliver and Bailey-they were the loves of her life. As she always told them: “I love you to the moon and back!” and boy did she. Rozanne is survived by her dear brother Joseph “Joey” Parillo and his wife, Linda, both of Niskayuna, brothers-in-law, Joseph (Elaine) Monteparo of Rotterdam and Thomas (Zhanna) Monteparo of Niskayuna, and her sister-in-law, Jennifer (Allyn) Skinner of Glenville, many nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom she dearly loved. Finally, Rozanne is survived by countless close friends from all stages of her life: her high school group, her golf friends, her “retirees”, her “merry widows”; and a couple of “just like a sister” devoted friends. Many of these friendships spanned decades and she deeply cherished all of them.

Rozanne was predeceased by her high school sweetheart and husband, Francis J. Monteparo, as well as her sister Katheen Parillo Aldershoff and her husband, David Aldershoff.

A lifelong resident of Rotterdam, Rozanne was born in Schenectady, NY to Mary and Jack Parillo, and graduated from Draper High School in 1962. Soon after graduating she married “Fran”, and together they built a life that was filled with love, family and friendship. Professionally, Rozanne was an administrative assistant at both General Electric and Schenectady County Community college, but Rozanne’s pride and joy was the “Rotterdam Sweethearts”, a baton twirling studio that she owned and managed with a partner for many years. Rarely could you go anywhere in Rotterdam without running into an old student, always eager to share the positive difference Rozanne made in their life.

Calling hours will be held Monday from 1:00-3:00pm at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave. Immediately following a 3pm service, we will proceed to Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna for interment. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

We are all deeply saddened to say goodbye to Rotterdam’s sweetheart.