Obituary of Ugo M. Rosiello

How does one describe a life? Is it in a sentence on a page, through the color in a painting, with music enough to fill the air, and with joyous memories of the people that were loved? So many roles for one to inhabit: son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, musician and teacher, with stories to go with all. It’s always difficult to see your Dad as anything but your Dad. You learn as you grow to appreciate the nuances in a life and to see how others were touched, just as importantly as a son’s. The subtleties of body movement, the humor and a smile, you begin to see pieces of that man in you. No greater tribute can be offered but that the best of a person is passed on to their children and grand children and friends alike. The measure of any of our lives lies in the love that others hold for us. Dad was loved. And he loved. He loved life, his family, his friends, and all the students that came first through his classroom door, and ultimately that he engaged with as the principal: Mr. Rose. There was hardly a place that we did not go in Brooklyn that he didn’t meet a former student, and he remembered them all, and they him. His loss will never be forgotten, but neither will a life so fulfilled. A dear friend of mine described my Dad as such “Your dad was a character – a unique combination of kind and gruff, with a strong sense of family. In his own way he was quite hip – he was the only guy I knew at that time who could wear a beret and get away with it.” I hope that when we remember Dad we smile; it’ll be tough for a time but he always said not to worry. I await the night when in a dream he comes to me and tells me “all is ok”. Until then and forever more he will be missed but loved by all. In lieu of flowers donation can be made to: S. Jude Children's Research Hospital PO Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38101-9908