Rose Rita La Placa - Empting (Nee Moretti)

In loving memory of Rose Rita La Placa Empting (nee Moretti)

Rose died peacefully and surrounded by family on December 11, 2022 and is now at rest.

Rose was born in Bronx, New York to Guarino and Angelina, and spent her first 63 years in New Jersey, living a one-of-a-kind life. She attended St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School for 12 years, followed by studies in Fashion Design at Finch College in Manhattan. After becoming a widow at the age of 33 years with seven young children to care for, Mom put her fashion-sense to practical use, going into New York City’s garment district to supply her in-home clothing store, outfitting many with her well-known style and elegance. In 1992 she moved to Minnesota to be closer to family, adapting to her new home with her classic strong spirit and resilience. Over the years to follow, Rose also spent time living in Florida and Texas, each state being special to her in its own way.

Rose had a passion for living her life and enjoyed many interests including golf, the Jersey shore, fashion, crocheting, travel, family, and food. She never feared to “do it her way,” and many people, young and old, looked to her for guidance and advice in doing the same. She was an independent, strong woman who endured many hardships and overcame, always relying on her faith in God to see her through.

Rose is survived by her four daughters, Donna Patterson (John), Susan Puttrich (Fred), Rosemary Ballerino (Carl), and Lisa Kamp (Paul); her cherished sisters, Marie Palmeri (who sadly passed away three weeks later on January 1, 2023) and Angela Marrocco; 21 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Rose is preceded in death by her parents, Guarino and Angelina Moretti; her husband, Dominick La Placa; her children, Helen Jean, Angela, and Peter; her grandson, Peter Frances; her husband, Bill Empting.

A memorial service was held in Minnesota, to be followed by a private burial in New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://www.alz.org/research or World Central Kitchen at http://www.wck.org