Always Smiling Is Our Rose

Rose Riley, 97, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family and generations of children whose lives she touched.

Rose was born at home on Caldwell Avenue in Paterson, New Jersey, on March 25, 1929, to Antoinette and Louis Lobosco. She was the youngest of five children and grew up surrounded by the love of her ever-growing close-knit Lobosco family which included hundreds of aunts, uncles, and Lobosco cousins. Her three older brothers, Mike, Tony, and Roy, adored their little sister, while her beloved sister, Jennie Marino, was her best friend who lovingly cared for Rose.Those early years instilled in Rose a lifelong appreciation for family, generosity, and caring for others.

Her love of children led her to Paterson Teachers College, where she graduated with the Class of 1950. Fifty years later, in 2000, she was proudly honored during William Paterson University's 50th Reunion, a recognition that reflected both her educational roots and her lifelong commitment to teaching.

In 1952, Rose married the love of her life, William T. Riley. Together, Rose and Bill built a home filled with love, laughter, faith, and family...red water, mischievous dogs, and multiple fish tanks.They raised seven children: Louis, Billy, Marion, Mary Rose, Michael, Antoinette, and Bernadette.

Nothing brought Rose greater joy than her family. She was a devoted mother, proud grandmother to 23 grandchildren, and treasured great-grandmother to 16 great-grandchildren. Her home was always open, her table always full, and her heart always had room for one more hug, one more meal, and one more story.

Rose dedicated 47 years to teaching elementary school children-beginning with five years in Fair Lawn and continuing with 42 years in the Lincoln Park School District. To countless students, she was more than a teacher; she was a source of encouragement, patience, and love. She believed every child deserved to feel special, and she had a remarkable gift for helping those who struggled to read. Her career extended for so many decades that she taught the grandchildren of her prior students. Even after retirement, former students would often stop to thank her for the difference she had made in their lives. Remarkably, the superintendent knocked on Rose's door in 1959 because Lincoln Park needed a kindergarten teacher because the town was growing. Rose's neighbor offered to watch her children and off to work Rose went.

For many years, Rose lived in the same cherished home for 72 years in Lincoln Park, where her door was never locked and visitors often sat with her on her front porch. To know Rose was to know unconditional love. She rarely complained, always looked for the good in others, and faced life's joys and challenges with quiet strength and remarkable optimism. Her beautiful smile could brighten any room, and her gentle spirit made everyone feel loved.

Ironically, in high school Rose was voted 'most versatile and best mixer (cook)' yet we all know as her sister Jean said, "Rose could not cook without a can opener or the local pizzeria's phone number".

Rose was an active parishioner at Saint Joseph's Church, Lincoln Park, where she was a member of the Rosary Society and Lazarus Committee. Rose attended the daily 7am mass at St. Joe's for over 60 years until her health declined. Rose loved to swim at the Lincoln Park Lake, the Lincoln Park Swim Club, and Spa 23. She believed in all natural health remedies and Home was Rose's favorite place to be. Born in her family's home, she also passed away in her own home surrounded by family. Although her family will miss her beyond words, they find comfort knowing that her love lives on through the generations she nurtured, the values she instilled, and the countless lives she touched as a mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend.

Always smiling, always giving, and always loving-our Rose will forever bloom in our hearts.

To quote her high school yearbook, "Loyal, Friendly, Everyone Knows...Always Smiling Is Our Rose."

Ambition: To further my education and to learn how to fly.

Rose is survived by her 7 children and 22 grandchildren: Her son Louis Riley and his children Sean, Linda, and Andrea Rose; her son William Riley, Jr. and his children Jennifer, Blaze, Chrissy, and William Ill; Michael Riley and his children Amanda Rose, Kelcey, and Nicole; Her daughter Marion and her children Colleen, James, and Kate; her daughter Mary Rose Ross and her children Kelly, Casey, and Brandon. Her daughter Antoinette and her children Molly Rose and Sarah; her daughter Bernadette Lombardi and her children Robert, Julia Rose, Mary and Jane Lombardi. Her son-in-laws, Glenn Ross, Gary Soden and Rob Lombardi and daughter-in-laws Laurette Riley and Dawn Riley. Rose is also survived by 17 great grandchildren Zain, Ava Rose, Kailey Rose, Ben, Chayton, Rowan, Aubrey, Caleb, Henry, Frederick, James, Joseph, Echo, Ella, Mae, Logan and Maria. Rose will also be missed by hundreds of relatives and cousins of her close-knit Lobosco family. Rose was also loved and cared for by her loving aide and friend, Barbora Fuchs. Rose was predeceased by her husband Bill Riley, her beautiful grandson Casey Lee Ross, and her son-in-law Jim Courter.

Visiting is on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Keri-Lozito Funeral Home, 125 Main Street, Lincoln Park, NJ from 6-8 PM.  Funeral Mass on Friday, August 7, 2026 at ST. Joseph's R.C. Church, 216 Comly Road, Lincoln Park, NJ at 10:30 AM.  Interment, Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Rose Riley Scholarship Fund for Students with Special Needs.