Rosaria “Rose” (Maraia) Ciunci

Rosaria “Rose” Ciunci, 93, a former resident of Cranston for 93 years, entered into eternal life peacefully on Monday, February 6, 2023 after a brief illness.  Rose was the daughter of Autino and Rose (Mezzaucello) Maraia.  She was the devoted wife of the late Raffaele “Ralph” Ciunci.  Rose was the loving mother of Kristine Lutrario and her husband Ken and Ralph Ciunci and his wife Lisa all of Cranston.  She was also the cherished Nana of Vanessa Lutrario, and Antonia, Ariana and Alisha Ciunci. Rose was the sister of Grace LeBlanc of North Kingstown, Michael P. Maraia of Virginia Beach Virginia, Joseph Maraia of West Warwick, and the late Matthew Maraia, Autino “Tony” Maraia, Ednella “Nell” Corbishley, Giovanni “Jenny” LaPlante, Carolyn Sorensen, and the stepsister of Rose Gulotta. Rose is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Rose received her secretarial training at Johnson and Wales in Providence.  She was employed at B.A. Ballou prior to having children.  Once her kids were in school, she worked for her brother Matt at “Elda’s Best” along with other family members.  She then worked at the Cranston Center for disabled children until her retirement in 1994.

Rose was happiest when with her children, grandchildren, sisters and close friends. She enjoyed cooking, reading, playing cards, and spending Sundays at the family beach house in Jamestown.

We would like to thank the dedicated staff at the Preserve at Briarcliffe for making her new home over the past 4 months so comfortable.

Her funeral service will be held Thursday, February 9th at 11:00 in St. Mark’s Church, 9 Garden Court,Cranston.  Calling hours will be Thursday February 9th, from 8 to 10:00 at Nardolillo Funeral Home, Park Avenue, Cranston. Burial will take place in St. Anns Cemetery, Cranston.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.