Rosemary Sodon, née Verdicchio, passed away peacefully Jan. 12, 2025. Her faith was of utmost importance to her. Throughout her life, she was a devout Roman Catholic. She rarely missed a Sunday Mass or a Day of Holy Obligation.
She was born May 2, 1934, in Kearny, the daughter of Peter and Catherine (Vanderbilt) Verdicchio. Rosemary graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School in 1952. She then worked for Natelson Brothers in Red Bank, New Jersey Natural Gas Company in Atlantic Highlands, and Sodon’s Electric Inc. in Navesink.
Surviving are her children, Walter P. (Susan) Sodon, Rosemary (Steve) Mago, and Nance (Michael) Ciasca; eight grandchildren, Robert W. (Rebecca) Sodon, Thomas (Dusty) W. Sodon, Melissa (Jeffrey) S. Timm, Steven (Alaña) Mago, Nichole Mago, Matthew Mago, Andrew Mago and Cristiana Ciasca; eight great-grandchildren, Belle M. Sodon, Walter H. Sodon, Myka K. Timm, Colby T. Sodon, Chloe E. R. Timm, Everleigh J. Mago, Harper Mago, Sophia J. Mago and Zaiden Mago; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Robert A. Sodon, her parents, A. Catherine and Peter A. Verdicchio, her sister Anna Catherine Bevere and her brother Peter Verdicchio.
In 1954, Rosemary married the love of her life, Robert A. Sodon. Following their marriage they relocated to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, while Bob completed his tour in the U.S. Army. Afterward, they settled in Locust and raised their family. Later, Rose relocated to Leonardo and then to Atlantic Highlands. In 2019 she moved to her final new home at Arbor Terrace in Middletown.
Rose was a long-time supporter and active member at St. Agnes Church, Atlantic Highlands, (now Our Lady of Perpetual Help-Saint Agnes Church, Highlands and Atlantic Highlands). There she was an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, a former trustee, and a member of the St. Agnes Church Finance committee, a member and officer of the St. Agnes School PTA and the School Tuition Policy committee, a member and secretary of the advisory board, and a present member of the St. Agnes Rosary & Altar Society. Rose was also a former president and member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society.
Additionally, she was an active member of the Arbor Terrace Resident Council; a former volunteer for Meridian Health Center; a charter member of the Navesink Hook and Ladder Co. #1 Ladies Auxiliary; former leader of Girl Scout Troop #48 in Atlantic Highlands; former member of Beacon Hill Country Club and the 18-Hole ladies group; as well as a former member of Bamm Hollow Country Club and the 18-hole ladies group.
Rose enjoyed spending time with her family, going out to dinner, taking exciting cruises with Bob and friends, playing golf, and traveling around the country to experience new places and adventures. She also loved playing numerous card and board games, including Bingo and Rummikub.
Donations can be directed to Our Lady of Perpetual Help-Saint Agnes Church, 103 Center Ave., Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716. A Celebration of Life Mass is planned for spring 2025.
The article originally appeared in the January 30 – February 6, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
