Rosemary Fariel

Rosemary Fariel of Scranton (and Dunmore where she grew up), passed away on May 15, 2026, at the age of 95, just a month before her 96th birthday. She was born on June 27, 1930, in Scranton and grew up in Dunmore, with her Family. Rosemary was the youngest child of eighth (two brothers and five sisters). Her Parents, John DeMaio and Vincenza (Jane) Zarrilli were born in Calitri, Avellino, Italy. John was a shoemaker who emigrated to America in the early 1900's and after a time his wife to be, Vincenza, came to America on an arranged marriage organized by her brother Mons. Giovanni Zarrilli, a Catholic bishop ministering the Italian community in Duluth, Minnesota.

Rosemary graduated from Dunmore High School and pursued her studies in nursing at the Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing in Scranton.

She practiced her profession for many years in New York City where she lived after leaving home to pursue her career in Nursing, a bold move for a young woman back in the 1950's. There she met and married Bill Fariel later in life and they divided their time between New York City and Amagansett, Long Island where they spent most of the summers. In the 1980's they purchased house in Boca Raton, Florida. For many years they alternated spending time in New York, Pennsylvania and Florida until they decided to move permanently the Sunshine State.

Rosemary was an active member of the Calitrani Club in Scranton/Dunmore area organizing social and cultural events to maintain her Italian culture. She was excellent amateur chef with impeccable taste and ability to prepare dinner parties for family and friends. After Bill died, Rosemary traveled extensively on cruises throughout the world especially on Bridge cruises perfecting her other passion Contract Bridge which she played online, in tournaments, and socially with friends.

She was predeceased by all her siblings and a few nephews and nieces. She has no children and is survived by 17 nephews and nieces, 26 grand nephews and grandnieces, and her cousin Vincent Zarrilli, his wife Jackie, who have lived nearby and have been a part of her life for many years especially since they moved to Florida in 1988. They have helped her, in the last few years, when her health had been deteriorating, in handling financial matters, organizing and managing household and health care providers. Rosemary's long term caregiver Delma Kemp was an integral part of the last six years of her life, until she became ill herself a few months ago and could not perform the caregiving that was required, but stayed in the house until this week when she returned to her home in the Bahamas.

A memorial service will be held in the chapel at Cathedral Cemetery on Saturday October 17th at 11AM. Inurnment will follow where she will be buried alongside her husband Bill and her parents.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc.

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