Rose Ann McGuire

YOUNGSTOWN - Rose Ann McGuire, 94, formerly of Philadelphia Avenue and dancer extraordinaire, danced into Heaven early Sunday morning, Sept. 9, 2018, after gathering together with her family all the previous week at Briarfield Manor.

Rose was born Sept. 29, 1923, in Youngstown, the youngest child of six born to the late Frank and Jenny Delfraino Ross, and was a lifelong area resident.

She graduated from East High School in 1941, where she took an active role in the school theater and worked on the staff of the yearbook. Rose was the personnel director at the Woolco store in Boardman for many years, retiring when the store was closed. Rose also did domestic work for Dr. Garritano.

Rose’s passion in life was dance. She loved competing in various dance competitions and won many trophies. She even won a competition at the old Idora Park Ballroom while suffering from an ear infection and was unable to clearly hear the music. Latin music was her specialty and "Spanish Eyes" was her favorite song.

Rose continued to dance as she grew older, and danced to the music of the guest musicians while living at the Inn at Ironwood and at Briarfield Manor, and she always encouraged the other residents to join her.

Rose was a parishioner at St. Dominic Church in Youngstown for over 60 years, and participated in a number of parish activities and organizations, including volunteering at the school cafeteria, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, and helping the parish as a member of the Altar & Rosary Society. In 1999, she joined the Third Order of St. Dominic to continue to explore her Catholic faith, and took the name of Elizabeth in that organization in honor of her oldest sister. Her strong Catholic faith was an integral part of who she was and influenced her daily activities. She regularly prayed for those in need, always telling people to “keep the faith,” and she relied on her Christian beliefs to help her through tough times in her life and to meet the challenges of being a single parent for many years. Rose was a long-time member and past-president of the local chapter of the National Solo Parents organization.

While living at the Inn at Ironwood, Rose was chosen as the Resident of the Month for July, 2017. She enjoyed participating in the arts and crafts program at Ironwood and her work was shown and recognized at the YMCA Senior Art Show, the Slightly Off-Center Art Show, and the Canfield Fair.

Rose loved family gatherings on holidays and birthdays. She loved serving large dinners, including her special homemade Italian wedding soup, to a houseful of her hungry relatives. After dinner, she always looked forward to playing a card or dice game while enjoying laughs with the whole family. Her greatest joy was spending time with her sons and their wives, her grandchildren, and her niece and nephews.  

Rose loved all dogs, especially Topaz, for whom she dog-sat for many years, and Dil, with whom she would share pizza on Saturday nights after attending Mass.

Rose leaves two sons, James G. (Karen) McGuire of Boardman and Robert J. (Kelly) McGuire of Poland; six grandchildren, Nicole, Kristen, Robert Jr., Kelly, Kevin, and Carigan McGuire; her special niece, Phyllis Ann Campbell, Phyllis’ husband Arthur, and their son Joseph.

Rose was the last surviving child of her family. Her brother, Anthony Ross, and sisters, Elizabeth Santangelo, Josephine Thompson, Marie DePasquale, and Philomena Donnarumno, preceded her in death.

Family and friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 11, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin at the funeral home, at a time to be announced, Wednesday, Sept. 12,  and will continue at St. Dominic Church, Youngstown, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at a time to be announced. Check back to this webpage for continuing updates.

Interment will take place at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Rose's family would like to thank Ed and Diane Reese, and the administration and staff at both the Inn at Ironwood and Briarfield Manor, for providing Rose with special care and contributing to her quality of life during these past few years.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.