Rosemary A. Raver 1943-2025

Born Nov. 29, 1943, in Youngstown, Rosie was the daughter of Anthony and Rose Stellato Nackino.

A proud Italian American, she carried forward her father’s thoughtful, artistic nature and her mother’s fiery spirit, deep faith and insistence on living joyfully in the present. The youngest — and “the thorn between three roses” — she grew up alongside her beloved brothers Tommy, Nikki and Ralph, each of whom shaped her life in meaningful ways.

From a young age, Rosie showed remarkable determination. In high school, she excelled in math, cheerleading, choir and rifle club. She began beauty school at 14, and by 16 she was one of the youngest students in Ohio to test for the State Board of Cosmetology, obtaining her license before graduating high school — an early sign of the drive that would define her career. Known as “Nikki” in beauty school, a name that stayed with her throughout her professional life, she quickly emerged as a gifted artist and a natural leader.

Rosie’s talents led her to found The Hair Hut, a five-chair salon that blossomed into a successful corporation of seven locations across Ohio and Florida. Her dedication to education, mentorship and innovation earned her a respected place in the industry. She served on the Ohio Hair Fashion Committee, taught hair design, judged competitions and ultimately secured membership in Intercoiffure, an elite international organization representing the highest standard in professional hairdressing.

Her career was bold and groundbreaking, but Rosie’s life extended far beyond business. She was endlessly curious and adventurous throughout her life — embracing hobbies and passions that ranged from crocheting to rebuilding her 1957 T-Bird engine, studying stock patterns, dancing, traveling, playing cards and delighting in the occasional trip to the casino. She approached each new phase with excitement, humor and a willingness to try something new.

Rosie’s strength showed most clearly through life’s challenges. She endured the loss of her parents at a young age; her brothers; her husband, Jack Raver — the love of her life — and her beloved grandson, Michael Anthony. Most recently, she found strength and prevailed

through the hardship of rebuilding her salon after a devastating fire. Through every misfortune, Rosie remained faithful, hopeful and fiercely determined.

As a mother, Rosie was endlessly supportive, generous, encouraging and honest. She taught her daughters by example — to work hard, to stay curious, to laugh often and to face struggle with courage. She shared adventures with them, offered unconditional love and celebrated every milestone with joy.

As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she embodied tenderness and devotion, giving freely of her time, love and energy. She was a very generous soul to her family, work family and friends — always ready to laugh with them and to remind them not to take life too seriously.

She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered and forever cherished.

Rosemary is survived by her daughters, Renee Ellen Rubesich and Raelyn Marie Raver; her son-in-law, Phil G. Goeckler; her granddaughter, Brooke Marie Rubesich; and her great-granddaughter, Noelani Rose Rubesich.

Visitation will be 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home, 3100 Canfield Road, Youngstown, OH 44511. The family will speak on her behalf at 3:15 p.m.

A celebration of life will follow the visitation; location to be announced.

Mass will be 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24, at St. Michael Roman Catholic Parish, 300 N. Broad St., Canfield, OH 44406.

One of Rosie’s “last wishes” was for everyone to wear bright colors if possible and to celebrate her life, not mourn her passing.

Rosie’s nightly prayer (attributed to St. Gertrude the Great): “Eternal Father, I offer You the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, for those in my own home and within my family. Amen.”

Vaschak-Kirila handled all of the arrangements for the family.

(special notice)