Obituaries

Rosemarie Caraluzzi

Published: Dec 23, 2025 3:38 pm

Rosemarie (Rubino) Caraluzzi, 91, of Southbury, formerly of Bethel, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025. She joins her late husband, Louis P. Caraluzzi, who passed away in January 2021.

Throughout their 65 years of marriage together they were inseparable — and a wonderful example of a couple truly in love. A love that seemed to grow ever stronger as they journeyed through life together.

Rosemarie was born in Stamford on January 8, 1934, to the late Anthony and Christine (Stavola) Rubino. She attended St John Parochial School in Stamford and was a 1952 graduate of Bethel High School. She was determined and dedicated to accomplish whatever she put her mind to.

In the late 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s she worked beside Louis in their neighborhood grocery store — Dodgingtown Market — and helped ensure its success. However, even in those difficult years, she never neglected her roles as wife and mother, and always made time for her family. She taught her family that it is possible to work hard and love at the same time. And part of her love for her family was expressed through her cooking and baking, and making sure that the Italian traditions she learned from her mom were passed on to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Over the years Rosemarie’s Catholic Faith became more and more important to her. She made sure to read her “Jesus Calling” prayer book every day, and attended the weekly communion service they have in her independent living facility. And, even at 91, she wasn’t afraid of new technologies. She never missed weekly Rosary prayers via Zoom on Thursday nights.

Rosemarie is survived by her two children: Diane (Fred) Baumer and Deacon Tony (Debbie) Caraluzzi; and her sister, Frances Portante. She was loved and admired by her six grandchildren: Fred (Shelby); Tina (Chris); Ricky (Christine); Jennifer (Jake), Valerie (Joe); and Nina (Steve); and by their nine great-grandchildren as well: Louis, Mia, Dean, Adrian, Scarlett, Jane, Grace, Cecilia and Faith; as well as her many nieces and nephews who listened intently to her wonderful family stories. Her memory of family history was amazing.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Gene (Betty) Rubino and John (Rose) Rubino and their wives; and her sister, Christine (Peter) Setaro and her husband, as well as her brother-in-law, Jerry Portante.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 27, at 11:30 am, at St Mary Church, Bethel. Burial will follow at St Mary Cemetery, Bethel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rosemarie’s memory may be made to St Mary Church, 26 Dodgingtown Road, Bethel CT 06801 (stmarybethel.org/giving) or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 (stjude.org/donate).

Rosemarie (Rubino) Caraluzzi, 91, of Southbury, formerly of Bethel, passed away on Sunday, December 21.

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My darling, You were the best GRANDmother a child could ask for. You created so many great memories & traditions that I have passed down to your Great grandchildren. You brought joy into every room you stepped into. Your laughter, singing, whistling and the signature Rockettes high kicks, is something I will always hold in my heart. There was something about walking into your home and being greeted by your beautiful face. *kiss on each check* followed by HELLOOOOOO Darling! The classical music playing softly in the background and your love and comfort made your home, a safe space. Somewhere, where love knew no boundaries. It was so much more than a home. I aim for the same in my home, and play the classic music 24/7, but it will never be the same. I pray I can be 1/4 of GRAND, you put in GRANDmother. You were so resilient. You found the positive in every situation. I look up to you so much. I remember begging Mom and Dad for years to change my name to “Carmen”. They didn’t officially change my name, but eventually started calling me “Carmenita” as I am a little you. THE HONOR. You were there for me, no matter the day or hour. You were always the one who would talk me through whatever hard situation I was going through. When my baby passed away, I refused to talk to anyone for 3 weeks. Except for you. You said to me “Better days are coming, babes. There’s always a rainbow after the storm”. Of course, you were right, because you are GRAND. I picture you in heaven dancing and laughing with him. Uncle Jay playing the money game with him. To know you are with your children again & with mine does bring me some joy. Twas the night before Christmas & New Year’s Eve, will never be the same. Another tradition you created. A memory that will last forever. Not just with me, but for generations to come. It may not be the same, but we won’t let it die. It will live on, in your name. To be your first GRANDchild was a blessing. I could write an entire book about you & all the amazing things about you. Even though we were robbed of time together & it makes me angry, I know I will see you again. This isn’t a goodbye, but a “see you later”. Just like we ended every phone call. Ciao, darling. I love you. MWAH MWAH! Love your GRANDchild, Kimberly aka Carmenita

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Rosemarie Caraluzzi

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