Alberto Rosa

Alberto Rosa of Union, NJ, 53, went to be with the Lord at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ on November 26, 2023.

He is survived by his brother, Dennis Rosa, sister, Esther R. Brun, three nephews, and many extended family members and devoted caregivers who knew and loved him well.

Born on August 12, 1970, Alberto, affectionately known as “Pito”, spent part of his childhood in Brooklyn, NY and the rest of his formative years in areas of northern NJ and Hillside, NJ. He lived at home with his father, Adalberto Rosa, mother, Norma I. Rosa, and siblings until 18-years-old.

Alberto was a deeply unconditionally loving man who knew what many don’t realize - it’s the simple things in life that ultimately make us happy. As his favorite musician, Raffi, would sing, “all I really need is a song in my heart, food in my belly, and love in my family”.

Alberto’s passion for acoustic guitar led to him taking guitar lessons with his beloved instructor for several years. His taste in music varied from Los Panchos love songs to Dominican bachata, and from Christian worship music to songs by renowned Canadian musical artist, Raffi.

The best place to find Alberto at the end of a long day was leaned back in his comfortable chair, listening to his favorite tunes. When he wasn’t listening to music, he was likely enjoying a tasty meal.

For Alberto, dessert was the best part of any meal. His love of cake, cookies, and ice cream was unmatched. When he needed a more well-rounded diet, he found any excuse to be at a barbecue, picnic, or anywhere serving his favorite Puerto Rican cuisine. Food was the way to his heart, and he was willing to travel far and wide to find it.

As a fan of long car rides, adventure and travel, he loved to gather with friends and family to celebrate birthdays and special occasions in new and interesting places, especially while camping at parks, lakes and beaches. He travelled to Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and California.

When not busy traveling, Alberto attended day programs throughout Union County where he developed meaningful connections and deep friendships with staff and other attendees.

His social, outgoing personality also made him a faithful and welcome member at his local church on Sundays.

Throughout his adult life, Alberto lived with roommates in Princeton, NJ, Union, NJ, Plainfield, NJ, and returned to his original home in Union, NJ in his final years. In each of those homes, he made lasting friendships that became like family to him as they created memories and walked the walk of daily life together.

Wherever Alberto went in life, he came away with a friend who would always be remembered, and carried with him his personal recipe for happiness and a life well lived.

On Saturday, December 2, 2023, friends and family will gather for visitation from 10:00 a.m to noon with a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at Union Funeral Home to honor this endearing, greatly loved man. Repast will follow at 1963 Mountainview Ave. Union, NJ.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Rosehill Cemetery in Linden, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The ARC to help support people with developmental disabilities.