Rosemary was born on June 3, 1938 in Queens, New York to Pete and Clara Tagliente. Rosemary and her sister Carolyn grew up in Flushing, attended St. Kevin’s elementary school and then St. Agnes high school. Upon graduating, Rosemary attended business school and then started her career as a secretary in Manhattan.

Not long after entering the business world, Rosemary went on a blind date and met her future husband, Patrick Curtin, an active marine who wrote to her from overseas.  Rosemary and Patrick wed on June 18, 1960 and began building their beautiful life together, first in Bayside and then in Bethpage where they raised their three children, Carolyn, Patrick and Gina.

Rosemary was a proud mother who shared in her children’s accomplishments and loved and supported them as they continued their education, pursued their career dreams and started their own families. Rosemary did everything for her children and held her family together during tough times. Her determination, strong faith and endless love are just a few of the many incredible traits she passed along to her children.

Rosemary eventually went back to work and resumed her profession as a full-time secretary/office manager in the private accounting firm, Schoenfeld and Mendelsohn, where she worked for more than 20 years.  With Pat’s support and encouragement Rosemary took the civil service exam and completed her career in the Syosset Central School District in the Buildings and Grounds Department. No matter where she worked, Rosemary was known for her efficiency, unbelievable work ethic, and her commitment to those with whom she worked.

As a devout Catholic, Rosemary never wavered in her faith. She was seldom seen without her rosary beads in hand (or close by!) and spent a great deal of her free time volunteering across different ministries at her parish, St. Martin of Tours, where she made many close friends and continued to grow in her faith.

Rosemary was an avid baker, famous for her chocolate chip cookies and Irish soda bread, which so many were lucky enough to enjoy. She loved reading, traveling, spending quality time with friends over dinner or drinks and was partial to a few special treats – namely 7-11 coffee and McDonalds McFlurries.

Perhaps what she loved most of all was being a grandma to her grandchildren, Nicholas (and his wife, Nikki), Trevor, Mary Kate (and her husband Bill), Megan (and her husband Mike), Samantha, James Patrick, Timothy, Abigail, Laney and Max. Rosemary loved nothing more than spoiling her “loves” with the most thoughtful gifts, being present for all milestones (big and small) and of course making unforgettable memories together – in the pool, the backyard, and most importantly around her dining room table.

The only badge she wore more proudly than that of “Grandma” was that of “GiGi” – the title she held for her seven great-grandchildren, Daniel, Claire, Thomas, Dominick, Michael, William and Olivia. Rosemary’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren adored her just as much as she did them.

Rosemary is survived by her sister Carolyn, her daughter Carolyn and her husband James, her son Patrick and his wife Hilary, and her daughter Gina and her husband Andy. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Patrick, who was undoubtedly waiting to welcome her into God’s heavenly kingdom.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked if you would consider a donation to any of the following charities that were dear to Rosemary’s heart:

• Vincent De Paul Society-St. Martin of Tours, Bethpage chapter (Donation envelopes specifically for the St. Martin’s chapter will be available during the wake service) or Donate – The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Long Island (svdpli.org)
• Towers to Tunnels- Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org)
• Jude Children’s Hospital- Make a gift to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org)