Rose Marzella

Rosemarie Marzella, age 87, passed away peacefully in her home in Arden, North Carolina, surrounded by her family on July 17, 2022. Rose was born on October 4, 1934, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania to Julius and Mildred Mastrota. She graduated from Hazleton Senior High School in 1952, where she was very active as Vice President of the Senior Class, President of the Swim Team, and member of the Thespians, Cadettes, Cheerleaders, and other clubs and teams. She married and moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the late 1950s, where she had four children. In South Florida, she competitively raced go-karts, bred and showed Irish Setters in the American Kennel Club, and owned Honda of Hollywood motorcycle dealership (with her husband, Peter Marzella). In 1971, the family moved to Ocala, Florida, where they owned and managed a 100-acre cattle farm. Rose was an active member of the community, participating in various organizations. Some community activities included raising funds and awareness for Fessenden Elementary/Middle School, volunteering as a Marion County 4-H Leader and for the Southeastern Youth Fair Committee (for decades), and volunteering in Queen of Peace Catholic Church. She was the manager of Bi-lo Sales & Service Lawn Equipment in Ocala for over 25 years, where she was also an active member of the Magnolia Avenue Merchants Association. As one of the founders, and vice president, of the Independent Dealers Equipment Association (IDEA), she was instrumental in getting a bill passed in the Florida Legislature and in getting vocational programs accredited in high schools. She is survived by her older brother, Thomas Mastrota, and her younger sister, Angela Sgambati. Also surviving are her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her children are Rocco, Gino, Carlo, and Paula. Her grandchildren are Michael (Rocco's son), Ashley (Gino's daughter), and Giana (Carlo's daughter). Her great-grandchildren are Luna and Hunter (Michael's children). A Rosary by the Legion of Mary will be held on Friday, September 16, 2022, at 7:45 AM at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, followed by a Funeral Mass at 8:30 AM. The church is located at 6455 Southwest State Road 200, Ocala, FL 34476. An informal Celebration of Her Life will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 11:30 AM in the Auditorium (East Building) of the Marion County Agricultural Center (Southeastern Livestock Pavilion) located at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL 34470. Since Rose was active in many organizations, in lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity. Please notify the family if you plan to attend by calling 828-545-7352.

Rose Marzella

October 4, 1934 - July 17, 2022