Obituary of Robert J. Rosato

       Mr. Robert J. Rosato, 85, of Deerfield Beach, Fl and Utica, NY, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2023, at home with the love and support of his family by his side.

     “Bob” was born in Utica, on November 24, 1937, the son of the late John and Ruth (Miller) Rosato. Bob was educated in the Utica Public Schools and subsequently served in the US Navy and Reserves.  He married the love of life, Johanna Tarantino in 1960, and enjoyed 62 wonderful years.  Bob started his long, 32-year career in law enforcement with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department, starting out as a patrol deputy, then Sergeant and was promoted to Captain of the Civil Division. In 1997 he retired and moved to Florida with his wife Johanna and spent the summers in Utica. Bob enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, collecting baseball cards, being a member of American Legion Utica Post 229, watching his son-in-law’s horses race and was an avid NY Yankees Fan. The highlight of his day was making a “bago” for Gabrielle every morning and his nightly call to Katie, two granddaughters that were a cherished part of his life.

     Bob is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Johanna; children, Robert (Michelle) Rosato, Dominick Rosato, and Gina (David) Dewhurst; grandchildren, Lauryn (Chad) Couture, Eric Rosato, Gabrielle Dewhurst, and Katie Dewhurst; great grandchildren, Addison and Alivia Couture; and many cousins, nieces and nephews, especially nieces Jodie and Francesca. He leaves his siblings, Deborah Keddell and David Rosato and his friends, Sammy, Henry, Carl and Andy who met every Wednesday for coffee and close friend Sammy from Syracuse. He was predeceased by his brothers, Vincent Rosato, Carmen Rosato, Richard Rosato, John Rosato, and sister Delores Despina and nephew Jimmy Rosato, as well as several cousins, aunts and uncles.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Mr. Rosato’s funeral Mass of Christian burial on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. Utica, NY.  He will be laid to Rest in Calvary Cemetery in Utica in the Spring.      

     In lieu of flowers, a donation in Bob’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Shriners Hospital.