Rosa Gabriele

It is with deep love and sadness that we share the passing of Rosa Gabriele, beloved matriarch of the Gabriele family. She passed away surrounded by her children and loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering fortitude, dedication, and a profound love for her family. Born on April 4, 1929, in Palermo, Sicily, to Concetta (Elena) and Francesco Paolo Manno, she was the eldest of five siblings — Anna, Concetta, Serafina, Rosalia, and Francesco Paolo. She met the love of her life, the late Agostino Gabriele, as a child —and from that moment, only had eyes for him. Together they built a remarkable life, guided by devotion, courage, and a deep, enduring love that shaped everything they touched. In 1959, they left their home in Palermo, Sicily, and emigrated to the United States, where they raised four children—Rosalba, Elena, Giovanni, and Francesco Paolo—and pursued every dream side by side. As partners in both life and business, Rosa and Agostino poured their hearts into their work, opening Agostino’s, a restaurant that became an accoladed dedication to their heritage and family. Their partnership and perseverance became the foundation of a lasting culinary legacy — one that continues well beyond the doors of Agostino’s. When Agostino passed away in 1999, Rosa’s dedication to their shared vision never wavered — it only intensified. She poured her heart and passion into every meal and detail, nurturing their loyal following and building new ones through her continued pursuit of excellence and exceptional customer service, working side by side with her children and grandchildren. Even amid challenges, including the global pandemic, Rosa faced every obstacle with unshakeable strength — and continued working daily until closing Agostino’s Restaurant and Bar in February 2023, at the age of 93. Throughout her life, and especially after the closure of her restaurant, Rosa enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She loved gardening, playing cards, sharing meals with loved ones, trips to the casino, and spending quality time with her sisters. These moments brought her delight and were cherished by all who had the pleasure of being in her company. She is survived by her four children — Rosalba (Randy) Thomas, Elena (John) Randazzo, Giovanni (Francesca), and Francesco Paolo (Cettina) Gabriele — and ten grandchildren who adored her: Alexis, Randy, Agostino, Maurianna, Rosanna, Lauren, Zachary, Gianfaro, Rossella, and Elisabetta. Her love also lives on in her 14 great-grandchildren — Olivia Rose, Joseph Ryan, Capri Rose, Harrison Agostino, John Whitaker, Quinn Elena, Ella Maria, Lucas James, Gianfaro Robert, Josephine Marie, Ada Jean, Andrew Christopher, Vincenzo Alexander, and Mia Rose — who were cherished deeply. She is also survived by her siblings Serafina, Rosalia (Benedetto), and Francesco Paolo (Concetta), as well as beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. She is reunited in eternal peace with her husband Agostino, her parents Conetta and Francesco Paolo Manno, her grandson Salvatore, her sisters Anna and Concetta, and her in-laws Giovanni Gabriele, John Mineo, and Franco Sanfilippo. Her legacy — in her family, in the St. Louis Italian community, and in every meal shared at Agostino’s — will live on forever. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rosa’s name to any St. Louis Hospitals that serve children. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rosa Gabriele please visit our Sympathy Store.

Tributes

Rosa Gabriele

April 4, 1929 - November 5, 2025