Rosa (Cangiano) Buonomo

Rosa Cangiano Buonomo, born on June 9, 1956, in Sorrento, Italy went to her eternal home on December 26, 2025. She was surrounded by her three children following a lengthy and hard-fought battle with a prolonged illness. She is preceded in death by her father Giovanni Cangiano, her mother Maria Laura Ricciardi, her brother Andrea Cangiano and her beloved son John Buonomo.

Survivors include her loving children Maria Hall of Harwinton, Alfonso Buonomo (Andrea) of Richmond, VA, Tammy Craig (Jeffrey) of North Haven; grandsons Tyson S. Hall, John L. Hall, Antonio A. Buonomo; her brother Luigi (Gino) Cangiano of West Haven; her significant other Mark Matava and “adopted" grandson Jeremiah Matava; cousin and best friend Carol DeLandra, and former husband Antonio Buonomo. Others who were left behind to cherish the memory of Rosa include many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who adored her dearly.

Rosa or “Ma”, as she was affectionately known by many, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in people. Rosa's passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and numerous others whose lives were touched by her. She had an uncanny ability to see the good in people and would encourage them when others sometimes lost hope.  

Rosa also found immense joy in preparing and sharing meals for family, friends and even strangers and strove to help others by any means necessary. Her holiday pies were family favorites and her pasta “fazool” was legendary. She had a bold sense of humor, an infectious laugh and always kept it real. While Rosa possessed many wonderful qualities, perhaps yet her most redeeming quality was one of selflessness. She was strong and often described as a “bull of a woman” by her own self-sacrifice and fierce loyalty which was manifested as a mother’s love to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Through the years, Rosa was able to rescue, feed and house many animals. She had a passion for saving animals large or small which led to her founding SBF animal rescue in Harwinton, CT. She truly had a gift, and the animals saw her as a nurturing mother. None more so than her favorite Umbrella Cockatoo, Kimber.

May her memory be a blessing to all and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. As you continue your journey with Jesus up there, dear Ma, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts. Although Rosa's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us, and she is now resting comfortably in the arms of our Lord and Savior

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January, 3rd, 2026 at 11am at St John Parish XXIII, in St. John Vianney Church, West Haven.  Rosa will be laid to rest with her beloved son privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Connecticut Hospice at www.hospice.com.  

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