Rosaria Anne Ranalli

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rosaria A. Ranalli, 89, of Apopka, Florida, who left us peacefully at her home on September 1, 2026. Born on August 19, 1937, in Wilmington, Delaware, Rosaria was the oldest of four children and grew up surrounded by faith, family, and the values that shaped her life.

Her Catholic faith, strong family values, and appreciation for hard work guided her throughout her life. She was a devoted daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.

Rosaria met the love of her life, Joseph A. Ranalli Sr., at a mutual friend’s wedding, and they married at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wilmington, DE. Together they raised four children and shared more than five decades of marriage before Joseph’s passing in 2010. Their marriage was the foundation of the family that brought Rosaria her greatest joy.

As the matriarch of a large and close-knit family, Rosaria took pride in bringing everyone together. Sundays, holidays, and time around the family table were sacred. Her home was always warm and welcoming, a place where anyone who visited could count on being loved, cared for, and well fed. She will be remembered for her devotion to family, her strength, her hospitality, and the love she gave so generously.

Rosaria was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph A. Ranalli Sr.; her parents, Anthony, and Anne DiFilippo; and her siblings, Francis DiFilippo, Lucille DiFilippo, and Anne Dougherty.

She is survived by her children: Joseph A. Ranalli Jr. (Kelly); Anna Pace (David); Michele Ranalli; and Dianne Kowalczyk (Kevin). Her grandchildren: Joseph A. Ranalli III; Diana Tucciarone (Mark); Anthony “Tony” Ranalli (Kirsten); Jenna Dolac Mead (Ray); Lorri Dolac Wood (Travis); Conner Scott (Andre); Chad Kowalczyk; and Taylor Kowalczyk. And her great-grandchildren: Cole, Jolee, Maddie, Lilly, Brielle.

She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law, Eileen DiFilippo, many nieces and nephews, extended family, and cherished friends—including Carol Gardner and Joe Dolac, who were family to her in every meaningful way.

Rosaria will be deeply missed by the family she spent her life loving. There is comfort in imagining her reunion with Joseph after sixteen years apart. Her legacy lives on in the family she built and the traditions she began.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rosaria’s memory to: The Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 48787, St. Petersburg, FL 33743-8787 www.cmocf.org