Rosemary L. Skillen

Rosemary Loschiavo Skillen passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, at the age of 99 with family by her side.

Born in Oswego, New York, on February 21, 1926, Rosemary was the beloved daughter of Joseph and Josephine (LaFortuna) Loschiavo. She graduated as salutatorian from Oswego High School in 1943 and went on to earn a degree from the Rochester Business Institute. Her professional career spanned many years, including work with Attorneys Mizen & Mizen, Mayor Robert G. Iles, and Kirke M. White. After retiring from the legal field, she continued her service at St. Joseph’s Church until 2011.

On Thanksgiving Day 1949, Rosemary married Gerald “Jerry” Skillen. Together, they raised their daughter, Mary Louise, in a close-knit neighborhood in Oswego, living next door to Rosemary’s parents and surrounded by family and lifelong friends. Rosemary thrived in her many social circles, enjoying card nights, breakfast gatherings, festive celebrations, bowling, and vacations.

A devoted member of St. Joseph’s Church, Rosemary served in numerous roles including part-time secretary, historian, Eucharistic minister, trustee, and lector—the first woman to do so in Oswego. She was an active member of the Altar/St. Anne Society, holding leadership positions such as President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer. She and Jerry were enthusiastic participants in the parish’s annual summer festivals. Rosemary also contributed to the Human Development Committee and volunteered for many years as a bingo worker.

Rosemary was instrumental in founding several community support organizations in Oswego. She helped establish a local office for the American Cancer Society Friendly Red Door in 1954 and was part of the founding group behind the Human Concerns Center, a food distribution initiative for those in need, in 1993.  Alongside Jerry, she delivered Meals on Wheels and was a dedicated member of the Oswego Hospital Auxiliary.

 In August 1944, the only official U.S. government refugee shelter for Holocaust survivors, known as the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter or “Safe Haven”, was housed in Oswego. It provided temporary refuge for 982 displaced persons, primarily Jewish survivors fleeing Nazi persecution in Europe. The Loschiavo family hosted many dinners for people at the Safe Haven.  Rosemary, a high school senior at the time, treasured those newfound friendships and was always extremely proud to be a part of this monumental and significant event in U.S. history.

An avid bowler, Rosemary achieved a personal best in 1979 with a 277 game, earning her a place in the Oswego Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame.

In 2012, Rosemary moved to the Cleveland, Ohio area to be closer to her daughter and family. She embraced this new chapter with joy, spending time playing Scrabble and Rummikub, preparing memorable holiday meals, enjoying casino trips with the seniors and family, and becoming an active member of the Mentor Senior Center and Avalon Day Center. Her warmth and spirit continued to inspire those around her.

Rosemary was predeceased by her husband Jerry in 1998, and her brothers Angelo (2008) and Charles (2011). She is survived by her daughter Mary Louise (Christopher) Mather of Cleveland; grandchildren Elizabeth (Jonathan) Leivo and Jeffrey (Abigail) Mather; and great-grandsons John “Jack,” Jerald “Jerry” Leivo, and Jay “JJ” Mather, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Thursday 10:00 AM at CTGS at St Joseph’s Church, W. 1^st St. Oswego. Burial will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be Wednesday August 20, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Sugar & Scanlon Funeral Home, 147 W. 4^th. St Oswego.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to The Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44110, whose compassionate care and support meant so much to Rosemary and her loved ones.