Rose Rakocy 1925-2026

She was born June 8, 1925, in Youngstown, the daughter of Galleni and Mary Virgallito Lenefonte.

She graduated from Rayen High School in 1943 and married her beloved husband, Michael Rakocy Sr., in 1946. They shared 65 years together before his passing in 2011. She resided in Youngstown until 2019, when she moved to Cardinal Retirement Village to be closer to her family.

Rose and Michael were charter members of St. Christine Church in Youngstown. Rose was also a member of the Ladies Knights of Columbus #3930 and was on the St. Vincent de Paul pastoral care team.

Preceding her in death were her beloved husband, Michael Rakocy Sr.; her parents, Galleni and Mary Lenefonte Bertilacci; her son, Michael Rakocy Jr.; her brother, Joseph; and her sisters, Teresa Kunovich and Katherine Jones.

Rose is survived by her daughters, Cheryle (Randy) Morgan and Bernadette (John) Durkos; daughter-in-law, Sandra Rakocy; and niece, Patti (Keith) Goldner, who was like a daughter to her. She also leaves six grandchildren, Stephen (Jennifer) Rakocy, Sam (fiancee, Julie) Rakocy, Gina (Eric) Davis, Deanna Durkos, Ryan (Stephanie) Morgan and Tamara (Chris) Bastian; and eight great-grandchildren.

Rose will forever be remembered as a loving mom, grandma, great-grandma, aunt and all the friends she made along the way, especially the ones she made at Cardinal Village.

The family would like to thank the staff at Heather Knoll Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Tallmadge and Jeff at Wellspring Hospice for the compassionate care they gave to Rose.

Per her request, there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Mary Magdalene Parish-St. Christine Church.

Arrangements for the family were handled by Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home.

(special notice)