Visiting Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 12 – 4 PM at Duffy Funeral Home, 255 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Funeral Mass Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 4:30 PM at Sacred Hearts – St. Stephen Church, 125 Summit Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Repast to follow in Cabrini Hall
For more information please call Scotto Funeral Home at 718-875-2515
Rosemarie Vaudo Aridas, 79, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at her home in Bridgewater, New Jersey, surrounded by love.
A proud daughter of Brooklyn, Rosemarie was born to Carmela Vaudo, née Sirabella, and Frank Vaudo, and was raised in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood. Her early years began on 2nd Place, continued on Union Street, and ultimately led her to Clinton Street, where she made a beautiful life with her beloved husband, James Aridas, and their daughter, Ariadne.
Rosemarie dedicated her life and career to public service and helping others. She began at Lutheran Medical Center, where she served as an administrator at the Sunset Park Community Health Center and later as a nurse recruiter. She also worked in the Family Practice Division at Long Island College Hospital before joining Public Health Solutions as an Early Intervention Director. In that role, she helped underserved children throughout New York City receive the services and support they needed to thrive in school and in life.
Her career reflected the person she was: loving, selfless, compassionate, and deeply empathetic. Rosemarie had an extraordinary capacity to care for others, and she made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless children, families, colleagues, and friends.
Her greatest happiness was her family. She cherished every opportunity to be with the people she loved, especially her grandchildren and great-grandson, whose presence always made her smile. She created a home filled with warmth, food, laughter, and the reassurance that everyone who entered was cared for.
Cooking, baking, and entertaining were among Rosemarie’s greatest passions and gifts. She was truly unmatched at all three. Every meal, dessert, and gathering was an expression of her love; with every bite, one could taste the care, patience, and joy she poured into every step. Her table brought people together, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.
Rosemarie also loved traveling with James. Together, they visited places that became especially meaningful to them, including Africa, Iceland, Greece, and Italy. Whether at home preparing a meal for family, traveling with her husband, or spending time with her grandchildren, Rosemarie gave her whole heart to those she loved. She also held dear the memory of her beloved dog, Sophia, who brought her great joy and always held a special place in her heart.
Rosemarie is survived by her devoted husband, James Aridas; her daughter, Ariadne Ippolito, and her husband, Michael Ippolito; Lawrence Aridas and his wife, Carmen; and Allison Phaedra Elaouni and her husband, Khalil.
She was the cherished nonna of Catalina, Amir, Adam, Madeline, Michael, and Rachel, and the proud great-grandmother of Holden.
She was the beloved sister of John, Damian, Jill, Connie, Alex, and the late Bill. She was also a beloved aunt to many, especially Desiree, Zachary, Eliane, George, Nicholas, Jill, and Nicole.
Rosemarie’s legacy will live on in the family she cherished, the children and families she helped through her work, the meals she lovingly prepared, the traditions she created, and the countless people who were made better by knowing her. She will be remembered for her grace, strength, generosity, warmth, and boundless love.
In Lieu of Flowers
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Rosemarie’s memory to one of the following organizations:
World Central Kitchen
Rosemarie understood the power of food to nourish the soul and bring people together. World Central Kitchen held a special place in her heart, reflecting her belief that a shared meal can provide comfort, dignity, and connection.
Atlantic Health System’s Soothing Paws Animal-Assisted Services
The Soothing Paws program was an important source of comfort for Rosemarie while she was a patient at Morristown Medical Center and helped lift her spirits. Its mission is to support Atlantic Health’s healing culture by providing emotional comfort and enhancing the physical and spiritual well-being of patients and employees.
https://www.atlantichealth.org/services/atlantic-health-animal-assisted-service