Rose Teresa Paglia

Rose Paglia, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, godmother, and cherished friend to many, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, at the age of 91. Her long and full life was a testament to quiet strength, enduring love, and deep commitment to family and community.

Born Rose Teresa in NYC to Marion and Ernest Occhipinti. The family moved to Carmel, NY when she was 18. She married Dominick (Tommy) Paglia in September of 1965. Their youngest son Dominick was born in 1966. She was predeceased by both but managed to  enjoy 40 years of marriage. Rose lived through many times of change and transformation. Through it all, she remained rooted in her core values—kindness, love, and a deep commitment to those she loved.  Her grace, resilience, and strong-willed spirit touched the lives of everyone she encountered, leaving a lasting legacy of unwavering strength, paired with a profound sense of compassion and devotion.

Rose was known for her generosity, thoughtful wisdom, and ability to make others feel at home. Whether through a home-cooked meal, a heartfelt conversation, or a simple act of kindness, her home was a place of laughter, tradition, and open arms.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in the hearts of her brother Michael Occhipinti and sister-in-law Linda Occhipinti, daughter Missy Foscolos and son-in-law R Dave Cope, son John Foscolos and daughter-in-law Mary Foscolos, granddaughters Holly Foscolos and Nikki Foscolos Cline, grandson-in-law Andrew Cline, and nephew Edward John, who moved to South Carolina and spent the last years of her life as a caregiver and companion. She also leaves behind an abundance of nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews that she loved so dearly. Never to forget her extended family at The Village of Summerville including the nurses, CNAs, caregivers, staff, and administration that took amazing care of her for 11 years, and countless others whose lives she touched. While her physical presence will be deeply missed, the strength of her spirit and the memories she created will continue to guide and comfort those who knew her.

The relatives and friends of Rose Paglia are invited to a visitation at James A McAlister Funeral Home on Savannah Highway on Monday June 16th, 2025 from 12 pm-1pm. Immediately following the visitation, a funeral service will be held from 1pm-2pm in the chapel at James A. McAlister Funeral Home.

The family invites you to contact Keepsakes Florist for floral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that donations be made to the Village at Summerville’s Legacy of Caring Fund, which supports those in need of a higher level of care at the Village who cannot afford it. This tribute is in honor of Rose’s 11 wonderful years at the Village of Summerville ( https://giving.prescommunities.org ).

The family of Rose Paglia would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the dedicated and amazing nurses, CNAs, caregivers, staff, and administration at the Village at Summerville, who cared for Rose with unwavering compassion and respect. Your kindness, patience, and professionalism brought comfort not only to Rose, but to all who loved her. You became part of her extended family, offering not just care, but companionship and friendship throughout her later years. The love and support you showed will never be forgotten, and your role in her life is a lasting gift the family will always cherish.

Rose Paglia lived a life defined by love, and her memory will continue to blossom in the hearts of all who had the honor of knowing her. Her presence, kindness, and unwavering support left an imprint that will endure, living throughout stories and memories shared by those she touched.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, (843) 766-1365 .

If you plan to send flowers, we highly suggest using a local florist instead of ordering from an online vendor. Charleston has many. Kindly ask your florist to deliver Home Arrangements Only to the funeral home between 9AM and 11AM, Monday, June 16th.