Luigino Rosanova, 93, a longtime resident of Mahopac, New York, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on July 8, 2026.
He was born on January 1, 1933, in Calabria, Italy, to the late Antonio and Maria Rosanova. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his twin sister, Esterina (Francesco); his brother, Michael; and his sister, Rosetta (Pietro).
He is survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Dominic Covelli of Illinois; Michael and Maria Covelli of Cold Spring, New York; Tony and Jeanetta Covelli of Ellenville, New York; and Francine Covelli of Mt. Kisco, New York. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Settino Covelli, and his sister-in-law, Carolina Squitieri. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family throughout Italy, Canada, and the United States.
He proudly served in the Italian Air Force, Ministry of Defense, from 1953 to 1955. In 1957, he married his teenage sweetheart, Silvia Covelli, in Belgium. Shortly thereafter, they immigrated to the United States and made their first home in Mount Vernon, New York.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Silvia, and their daughters, Maria Rosanova Hehl (Dennis Hehl), Rosanna Rosanova Werger (Marc, recently deceased), and Luisa Reynolds (Michael Reynolds).
He was a devoted grandfather (Nonno) to Anthony, Alanna Macreery (Scott Macreery), Cassandra, and Nicholas, with whom he shared a particularly special bond. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Sunny Rae, whose smile brought sunshine to his heart.
Luigino spent his career in construction, earning the respect of those who worked alongside him through his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. Among the many projects he contributed to was one of New York City's Twin Towers before the events of September 11, 2001.
He had a deep love for music, especially playing his accordion and sharing Italian classics at family gatherings. He took great pride in growing tomatoes, hot peppers, basil, and parsley in his garden. He also enjoyed making homemade wine and sausage, traditions passed down from his homeland that he generously shared with family and friends. Even into his 90s, he enjoyed riding his bicycle along the local path, a pastime he continued as recently as two years ago.
As a longtime member of the William Koehler Memorial Senior Center in Mahopac, he formed many lasting friendships while enjoying games of pool and cards.
Though he built his life in America, Italy never left his heart. He kept its traditions alive through his music, cooking, garden, language, and the love he shared with his family. Family was the center of Luigino's life, and his greatest happiness came from spending time with those he loved.
His legacy lives on through the traditions he passed down, the stories shared by those who loved him, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family.
“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”
All were welcomed at a visitation on Friday, July 10th from 3-7PM at the Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home in Mahopac, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, July 11th at 11AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Shrub Oak, NY. Interment followed at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Hawthorne.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to:
Down Syndrome Association of the Hudson Valley (DSAHV)
P.O. Box 161, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Or
Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter
2649 South Road, Suite 101, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
