Rose Kirk

Rose Kirk (nee Marino), age 89, of Bristol, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 24, 2024 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her beloved family with her husband of 68 years, Pat, by her side. 

Born in Bristol on February 28, 1935 to James and Rose Marino, Rose was the youngest of seven children. She attended St. Ann Grade School and afterwards completed the St. Ann Commercial High School Course. She later became a beautician after graduating in 1953 from the Marinella School of Beauty Culture, Philadelphia, PA. Rose first worked at Pomeroy’s Beauty Salon in Levittown, PA. Eventually, she opened her own salon, converting the front parlor of her and Pat’s home on Dorrance Street, and created a successful business that she operated for many years. After raising her family, Rose found joy in working with children as a nursery school teacher at Harriman Christian Day School. She later enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren, as well as many homebound, sick, and elderly family and friends.

In 1951 when she was sixteen years old, Rose met a quiet Irishman named Francis, who went by the favorite Irish name “Pat.” At that time an Irishman marrying an Italian was a big deal in the Bristol community, but Rose and Pat did not let that dissuade them. Their courtship was five years, and they married on April 29,1956 at St. Ann Church in Bristol. Their union spanned 68 years of marriage, and their young love turned into a beautiful example of a formidable marriage, withstanding the true test of time. 

Starting a family became Rose’s priority. She and Pat welcomed a surprise set of twins a year after they were married, then another boy, and eventually two girls that completed their family. During those early years, Rose was a busy homemaker working alongside Pat to raise the children and maintain their home. Dorrance Street was a busy place with her sisters, Betty and Marie, living a few doors away, her brother Anthony around the corner, and all the cousins in and out of the houses, with St. Ann Church standing in the shadow of so many important and special family milestones. She created many traditions and memories, such as Sunday morning Mancuso donuts and coffee and dinners of homemade gravy and meatballs. Forever ready to entertain, Rose made sure there was always a cake in the oven or an Entenmann’s coffee cake in the refrigerator just in case there would be company. When the almost nightly knock at the door came, Rose was ready, a pot of coffee percolating on top of the stove and a warm smile to greet her guests. 

For Rose, nothing was more precious to her than time with her family. She basked in the lives of her children and found pure delight in all her grandchildren. She was at her happiest with a full house and company around the table. She made the best chicken cutlets, and her famous cream puffs will be remembered forever (if you know, you know). She loved to sit on the porch of their Dorrance Street home every night, which more often than not turned into a spontaneous gathering of family, friends and neighbors coming together to talk about all the town happenings and latest Bristol gossip. It was always a bonus when her sister Carolyn pulled up to join them from Pine Grove Street. There was usually some fried dough, jello cake and coffee that she had whipped up that day and was ready to share. Rose also enjoyed taking trips with Pat to Jim Thorpe, Williamsburg, and Gettysburg, visiting their children and grandchildren in college, and later traveling to see those who settled at a distance. Those who remained in the local Bristol area were treated with her continual presence. Her many nieces and nephews saw Rose as their second mom, and there was nothing “Aunt Rose” couldn’t do. She became a guiding light to them over the years. With Pat, Rose truly built a home full of love, family, comfort and peace. 

Rose loved her little town of Bristol, serving the community well. For over 40 years, she served as an Election Inspector for each primary and general election season in the Borough. She also coordinated the Historic Bristol Day Bakery for many years, and, with her family and friends by her side, she organized and ran the annual pizza fritta booth at the Italian Festival. She also fundraised for the March of Dimes, a cause close to her heart. 

Paramount to everything else was Rose’s strong devotion to her Catholic faith and her lifelong dedication to St. Ann Church. Her grandfather laid the first stones that built the church, and its Italian roots were reflective of her heritage and beliefs. As a volunteer for many years, she chaired the first carnival for the parish, was president of the Miraculous Medal Society and treasurer of the St. Ann Home and School Association, chaired the annual Catholic Charities drive, prepared Confirmation dinners for the Bishop, managed many ordination receptions, and coordinated many other fundraisers, including weekly Bingo nights and her famous monthly bus trips to Atlantic City. She will be remembered as a true pillar of the parish. More importantly, the beautiful example of her faith was an inspiration to all. She had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother, praying the rosary daily, as well as a devotion to St. Ann, the mother of Mary. She dedicated every summer to coordinating the annual St. Ann Novena and took great pride in rallying all the ladies to take care of each and every task. In her later years, Rose developed multiple eye diseases and became devoted to St. Lucy, patron saint for the blind. Her faith was unwavering and carried her through many storms. She was a true testament of a faith-filled, godly woman, serving others through gentleness, compassion and love. 

In addition to her parents, Rose is predeceased by her brothers Frank Marino (Anna), Nicholas Marino (Angelina), Anthony Marino, and her sisters Carolyn Mignoni (Carmen), Marie Ungarini (Harry) and Elizabeth “Betty” O’Brien (Joe). In addition she is predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law Francis and Margaret Hoffman Kirk.

She will be forever missed by Pat and her loving children, spouses, and families who will ensure her memory and traditions live: Patrick (Karen), Richard (Isabel), James (Susan), Rose (Harold) and Karen (Eric); grandchildren Shannon, Kaylin (Ben), Sean (Megan), Michael (Hayley), Erin, Ashley, Allison, John (Desirae), Jay (Elizabeth), Corey and Branden; great-grandchildren Arayah, Samuel, Isaiah, Aidan, Conor, and Liam; sister in law Roberta Marino; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation to be held at St. Ann Church on Monday, July 1, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm and again on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 9am to 10:30am with a mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Interment immediately follows at St. Mark Cemetery, Bristol, PA.

A rosary will be recited at 7pm on Monday evening at the close of the Visitation. All are invited to participate. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rose’s memory may be sent to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia or to the Bucks County Association for the Blind.

Rose’s absence leaves a great void that will never be filled. But by her example, we lean on our faith in knowing that she has received her greatest reward in Heaven. We take comfort and can even smile imagining the amazing reunion that took place as Rose was greeted with the open arms of all her loved ones. 

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in the eternal light and peace of Christ. 

Arrangements are under the care of Galzerano Funeral Home, Bristol, PA.