Obituary of Rosemary Milanaik

Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Former Union Shop Steward

Rosemary Milanaik (née Jakubowicz), age 91, died peacefully on Friday, March 15, 2019 in Morristown, NJ.  Born in Wallington, NJ in 1927, she lived in Morris Plains for the past 34 years, having previously resided in Cedar Grove for 29 years.

A graduate of Bristol High School in Bristol, PA, Rosemary later married the love of her life, Joseph “Smokey” Milanaik, in 1947.  While both worked hard providing for their children during the early years, they were able to travel extensively during their retirement years, and were well known for never turning down a good polka. Happily married for 54 years, Smokey passed away in early 2002.

While still raising two young children, Rosemary began working on the production line for Shulton, Inc. in Clifton, NJ to help make ends meet. Her passion for standing up for those that she felt were not treated fairly led her to serve as the Teamster shop steward for many years before she retired in 1992. She was well respected over her 25 years as she was able to understand both sides of a negotiation and helped both management and employees find mutual agreement on countless issues.

While she was extremely proud of her daughter and son, Rosemary absolutely adored her five grandchildren and granddaughter-in law. She was elated when they would call her on the way to and from their work, often on a daily basis. During those hour long conversations, “Grandma” would share stories from her childhood, her values of working hard, and the importance of being a person of great character, integrity, and prayer. These lessons will be passed on from her for generations to come.

The youngest of seven siblings, she was predeceased by sisters Bertha Sudol, Stacey Pleva, and Helen Fedor and brothers Adam Jakubowicz, Frank Jakubowicz, and Edward Jakubowicz.

Rosemary is survived by her beloved daughter Darlene Rasmusson and her husband Don, and her equally beloved son Jeffrey Milanaik and his wife Judy, loving grandchildren Brandon, Corey, Ryan, Connor and his wife Caitlin, and Tahaella, as well as a multitude of nieces and nephews far and wide.

Rosemary was an active member of the Red Hatters Club, the Parsippany Seniors, and the Polish American Club.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, March 21st from 4:00 to 8:00PM at Dangler’s Funeral Home (www.danglerfuneralhomes.com) at 600 Speedwell Avenue in Morris Plains, NJ.  The funeral service will be on Friday, March 22nd at 9:00AM at Dangler’s Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Celebration of Rosemary’s life at 10:00am St. Virgil’s Church in Morris Plains. She will be laid to rest at Hilltop Cemetery in Mendham, NJ

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to EWTN Global Catholic Network (www.ewtn.com) in her memory.