Obituary of Rose M. Drake

Rose M. Drake (nee Giannone), a lifelong Madison resident, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Brookdale Senior Living in Florham Park. She was 86.

Rose was born in Madison on March 21, 1932 to the late John and Carmella Giannone and she was a graduate of Madison High School. She was affectionately known as “Ro Ro” by many, especially by the generations of children she cared for at her childcare that she operated at her home in Madison. Rose also had a career many years ago in the production department of Sandoz Pharmaceuticals in East Hanover.

Rose’s most cherished time was spent with her family. She loved bingo and will be fondly remembered by family and friends for her kindness, wittiness and sense of humor. Known for the best meatballs in the world! Loved to cook and bake for all. She will be deeply missed by all that loved and knew her.

Rose was predeceased by her husband, Ernest A. Drake; three sisters, Julia, Ann & Mary; six brothers, Jimmy, Frankie, Tory, John, Joe & Carmen; and two young siblings, Carmen & Alice. She leaves behind her son, Eric Drake of Mt. Laurel (Sue); two daughters, Kathy P. Bodie of Madison & Susan McDonough of Chatham (Darren); one brother, Tony Giannone of Madison; seven cherished grandchildren, Michael, Lindsay, Ashley, Kyle, Hailey, Ashley & Ariana; and many nieces, nephews & good friends.

A memorial visitation to celebrate Rose’s life will be held from 4:00PM to 8:00PM on Friday, July 20, 2018 at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940, with a funeral service led by Rev. Msgr. James Mahoney held at 7:00PM at the funeral home during the visitation. Interment will be held privately at the family’s request.

Charitable contributions can be made in Rose’s memory to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, 575 Woodland Ave, Madison, NJ 07940.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.madisonmemorialhome.com