Rose Marie Virgili
Rose Marie Virgili, 97, of Butler passed away peacefully Tuesday in her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born July 15, 1917, in Butler, the daughter of the late Michael DeCecco and Philomena Marini DeCecco.
In her earlier years, Rose was an active citizen of Butler as an employee of the Bantam Jeep Factory and the Spade Shirt Factory, as well as a volunteer committeewoman for the Democratic party in 1962 for the upcoming presidential election. More important than any job was her love for her family.
Rose is survived by her five children, Jacqueline Knepshield, Raymond Virgili, Phyllis Kosar, Carol Rosewag and Mary Jo Sylvia, and her sons-in-law, John Kosar and Mark Sylvia. She is also survived by her sister, Olga Tiberi of Butler. In her 97 years, she was the beloved “Non” to 14 grandchildren and an incredible 20 great-grandchildren. Rose also left behind her six loving nieces and her devoted caregivers, Dottie Berninger and Jackie Mackalica.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Jack A. Virgili; her grandson, James H. Knepshield II; her sisters, Mary Sherber and Josephine Litz; and her brother, Michael DeCecco.
Rose's home was always open, her table full and her welcoming spirit there for all she knew and loved. She was a woman ahead of her time and her lovingly imparted wisdom is in our hearts forever.
Virgili— The family of Rose Marie Virgili, who passed away Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, will greet guests at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the entrance of the Saint Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Parish, 432 Center Ave., Butler.Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church with burial to follow at St. Michaels Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Catholic Charities Pregnancy and Parenting Program, 120 W. New Castle St., Butler, PA 16001.Arrangements are by Geibel Funeral Home, Butler.For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.
