Rose Mary Smith

Rose Mary Smith (nee: Accardi) passed away on May 16, 2013. She was 87. Born on May 2, 1926 to Italian immigrants from Sicily, she was one of 8 children, having 5 sisters and 2 brothers, born to Andrew and Philomena Accardi. They settled in Bristol, PA, where her father opened a neighborhood grocery store. As with many Italian families, food was the “centerpiece” of their lives. Rose Mary, however, wanted nothing to do with spending time in the kitchen. She enjoyed tagging along with her brothers and participating in outdoor sports – including swimming, tennis, and ice skating. If you happened to catch her indoors, music would fill the air. Rose Mary’s interest in music (including playing the piano) led her to her greatest passion – Dancing! While dancing, she met the love of her life, and future husband, August “Larry” Smith; who was not only her “best friend” but also her lifelong dance partner. If music was playing, no matter the location, “RO” and “Larry” were dancing. In between all that dancing the couple raised two daughters in Levittown, Nancy (married to Richard Huston), and Joan (married to Michael Riordan). Rose also worked a variety of jobs including switchboard operator for U.S. Steel, selling World Book Encyclopedias, and running the front office at Bucks County Technical School. After retirement, she volunteered at Delaware Valley Hospital and Bristol Riverside Theatre. Outside of work, raising a family, and volunteering, Rose looked forward to traveling, especially to seaside locations, meeting new people, and socializing over a good meal with family and friends. She continued to enjoy all types of food - with ice cream, chocolate, and a good cup of coffee being her favorites. Speaking of favorites – Rose Mary has 4 grandchildren who ALWAYS make her very proud, Richard Huston, DC and his wife Amy Lane, Michael Huston, and Jacob and Carlee Riordan. She is also survived by her sister Josephine Polizzi and her husband Frank; her sisters-in-law Ann Accardi and Helen Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass 11am on Tues., May 28, at St. Ann Church, 357 Dorrance St., Bristol, PA 19007. Burial will follow in St. Mark Cemetery. Donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St., Ste. 102, Phila., PA 19106 (215-561-2919). Arrangements by Galzerano Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rose Mary Smith, please visit our flower store.