Rosina Marie Sorrentino Columbus

Rosina Marie Sorrentino Columbus was born on August 26, 1939 in the Bronx, NY. Rosina’s life can be measured by the hearts she touched. Her legacy leaves behind a devotion to her family, her friends, her colleagues, and her pets meted out in moments of kindness, compassion, and service. She spent her days investing in her love of others whether through bedtime stories, holiday dinners, gentle advice, quiet prayer, and a hearty dose of silliness whenever it was most needed. Rosina devoted her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend where any ordinary day became a cherished memory. Her home, much like herself, was always open. Her welcoming heart always ready to listen, to put on a pot of fresh coffee, and to help in any way she could.

She possessed a rare gift that made every person feel seen, valued, and loved deeply. Her quiet kindness was powerful, her compassion steadfast, and her faith unwavering.

Rosina, while spending a large portion of her life as a homemaker, had a diverse history outside the home as well. From her early days at Penetone, to decorating Christmas trees at CPC, to volunteering as troupe leader, a CCD teacher at St. Mary’s Parish in Closter, a cheerleader at all sporting and theater events, as well as being an exceptional medical office administrator at Tenafly Eye Associates. Rosina strongly believed in throwing herself whole-heartedly into whatever was before her.

Predeceased in death by her loving parents, Domenick and Antoinette (Milone) Sorrentino, her devoted husband, Ulrich “Rick” Columbus, her cherished brothers, Rocco Sorrentino, Valentine Sorrentino, and Anthony Sorrentino, and her adored nephews Valentine Sorrentino Jr. and Domenick A. Sorrentino.

Rosina is survived by her treasured children, her daughter, Sharon A. White and her son, Alfred J. White and his wife, Laura. Rosina leaves behind her much loved grandchildren, Lucia Scalies, Amelia Scalies, Giuliana White, and Joseph White. Rosina’s family extends to her son, Gabriel Columbus and his children Mya and Alex, Joshua Columbus, his wife, Kelly, and their children, Alex and Max, her son, Jeremiah Columbus, her son, Jacob Columbus and his children, Nehemiah, Isaiah, and Elijah, and her son, Nathan Columbus, his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Elijah, David, and Bella. Rosina also leaves behind her dearest nieces and nephew, Mary Morse, Linda Rocco, Antoinette Sorrentino, Denise Clatterbuck, Rocco Sorrentino, and Lori Almeida and their families. We would be remiss not to mention her most notable furry friends- Dakota and Sami. While they were her last two dogs, Rosina spent her life surrounded by her four-legged children, completely enamored with all of them.

Though her seat at the family table sits empty, her love remains. She is woven into the fabric of our family. We carry forward her lessons of humility, selflessness, empathy, love, and grace. Rosina treated everyone with dignity and believed that kindness cost nothing but meant everything. Her often quoted legacy of “Life, Live It.” encompasses her in every way.

The family asks that charitable donations be made on her behalf to the Humane Society of Sarasota County.