Rosalie Petralia

Rosalie (Zanfagna) Petralia, 94, passed away peacefully at her longtime home in Methuen on February 3, 2019. She will be missed by three generations of family members.

Born in Lawrence, Rosalie was the daughter of the late Alfred and Ann (Riccio) Zanfagna. Rosalie was educated in the Lawrence school system where she attended the Oliver Grammar School and was a graduate of Lawrence High School. She and her husband Salvatore (Samuel) Petralia raised their family in Methuen. She worked as a receptionist at her brother, Dr. Phillip Zanfagna’s medical office.

Rosalie enjoyed creating ceramics, singing, shopping and spending time with her family. She loved singing with her husband Sam and his orchestra. With the encouragement from family, Rosalie was able to pay tribute to her singing career with an album of family favorites, entitled “Rosalie Sings.” Her voice will continue to be shared with family for years to come.

Rosalie is predeceased by her beloved husband, Salvatore (Samuel) Petralia; her siblings, Phillip, James, Anthony, Otto, Eva and Lena; and her grandson, Ronald Vincent Cleary, III.

She is survived by her children, Beverly Petralia of Methuen, Ronald Petralia of Bethesda, MD, and Cynthia Cleary and her husband Ronald of Salem, NH; three grandchildren and their spouses, Aron and Megan Cleary, Jay and Sherri Cleary. and Devin and Keri Cleary. In addition, Rosalie had five great grandchildren, Carter, Calvin, Tucker, Elia, and Zoe. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members, Karen Holmes, Susan Garfield, and June McDonald.

Funeral and burial services were private and were under the direction of Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosalie’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.