Tribute to Aunt Rose: Rose Virginia Verzi

In composing this reflection and tribute to our beloved Aunt Rose, God Mother, Sister, and now Guardian Angel there have been so many themes...Her love of life, music, dancing, and family are just a few of them.

My Mom Josephine and Aunt Rose with me in Boston at the Regatta Bar with Jim Hall

She traveled the world and taught us the joys of experiencing what the world has to offer... Music was a important part of her life. She knew hundreds of songs and would sing beautifully at any moment throughout the day. The melodies I was learning as a young musicians were songs I heard her sing and my dad play...She came to hear me play at my gigs countless times from when I was a teenager. My foundation in music were a direct result of her love and passion with music. All of the songs I learned because of her, taught me how to play for people...I wanted her to dig the way I played them as much as her favorite version's of those same songs she loved by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Barbara Streisand.

Aunt Rose, Joe, Mom, Uncle Carl at Severance Hall in Cleveland for the Viva Caruso Concert, during Aunt Rose's Birthday, 2003

In 1976 Aunt Rose brought my sister Laura-Jo to NY to hear me play at Carnegie Hall with the great Woody Herman Band for his 40th Anniversary Concert...I was in my glory to see how proud she was of me. There I was standing toe to toe with Stan Getz and Flip Phillips on the stage of Carnegie Hall and she and Laura were sitting right in front of me. At that moment I really knew I was on my way in this joyous life in music... I couldn't have done it without you Aunt Rose !!!

Since then in all of my international travels I've had an extraordinary opportunity to visit many holy sights around the world, she treasured my stories and lived my experiences with me. My Aunt Rose was a deeply spiritual woman that taught us all about compassion and devotion to family. My mom Josephine Verzi Lovano is our Mother Earth and Aunt Rose was her best friend and Soulmate. They lived within each others lives from the beginning with the deepest love and respect possible.

We've all been blessed having you in our lives Aunt Rose and your influence, memory and beautiful spirit will be with us forever!!!!

God Bless You Aunt Rosina!!!!