Roseann “Dolly” (Ruma) Ferraguto; born 1928 in Boston’s West End and resided in Medford and Wilmington, MA. She passed peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 26, 2026, at the age of ninety-seven.
Roseann had been preceded in death by her devoted husband Dominic Ferraguto. The loving mother of James Ferraguto and his wife Carla, Marianne Rogers and her late husband James, Steven Ferragut and his wife Nancy and Andrea Wickwire and her husband Robert. Nana “Dolly” to Diana, Colette, James, and Lauren as well as Great Grandmother to Jordyn, Kailyn, Ava and Carolina. She was the daughter of the late James Ruma the late Frances (Spinale) Bellis. Beloved sister of Frances, Jack and the late Joseph Ruma. A dear friend to many, a loving cousin and aunt. Roseann will be sorely missed.
Roseann grew up in the West End of Boston, where she enjoyed many years with family and friends. She would proudly say, that “the West End was a melting pot of many immigrants and that everyone was friendly and kind.” She would often reminisce of the days of her youth when she enjoyed sneaking off with her girlfriends to enjoy “Old Blue Eyes”, Frank Sinatra. In those days she loved to go dancing, especially doing the jitter bug.
After WWII, while at the local ice-cream shop, Roseann met her then Navy Veteran and future husband Dominic. She and Dom were members of the West End Mercury Club. They were so fortunate to have celebrated almost 73 years as husband and wife. During their many years, they were devoted to family, maintained their faith, and were a hard-working team that always tried to help others. Together they loved to work in their flower gardens. Their Medford yard was their tranquil refuge and entertainment place for many family gatherings. They ventured to Italy, cruised to the Caribbean and returned to Montreal for a second honeymoon. They also cherished the time spent with family and friends in Florida, as they escaped the cold of New England.
In her youth, Roseann worked at Filenes Basement and carried a love for Filenes like no other. She was such a conversationalist; a persuasive and helpful salesperson while working at Lechmere Sales for many years in the sporting goods dept. She attended college in the evenings to pursue her dream in culinary arts, all while caring for her home and family. Roseann had a dream of one day opening her own catering business or pizza parlor, as she was a fantastic cook. Unfortunately, that dream did not come into fruition, but her zest for cooking her specialties continued for all those who enjoyed her hospitality – eggplant parm, minestrone and chicken soup, pizza, cutlets, Italian cookies and so much more. “Save the Recipes” she would say.
Along with gardening, Roseann was an avid reader. She especially enjoyed mysteries and studying about nutrition. Roseann was a member of Saint Joseph’s Parish and Mother’s Club when her children attended school. She loved playing Bingo and enjoyed many trips to Foxwoods for their Octoberfest bingo games and in more recent times, the Encore for some slot games. She was an enthusiastic card player and cribbage partner with Dom. In between, they travelled to many flea markets, yard sales, while hunting for antiques; always looking for a special buy. In her later years, she found pleasure in watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Family Feud, and of course the Boston Red Sox.
Roseann appreciated the music of her era, Big Band as well as the tenors like Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli. She loved listening to music, especially while cooking. She was a lover of poetry and a writer of some special poems as a young girl, which were recently discovered. Even in her later years she could still recite Robert Frost and William Wordsworth. She also held onto so many wonderful memories of family and friends which she reflected on frequently.
She certainly enjoyed her time at Windsor Place Assisted Living in her later years. She was treated with kindness and regained her spark for life after losing her beloved Dominic. Her friends and staff always said that she could tell some wonderful stories. She played bingo, trivia, and enjoyed all the entertainment they offered. Her exercise, Rosary, and walking groups brought her such contentment. She got to dance again, enjoyed live entertainment, and had delicious meals with wonderful people. She went out often for group lunches and mingled at the pub. It was a great social experience for a strong woman, well into her nineties. She truly enjoyed getting to know her newly found friends and compassionate staff; especially her assistants who provided loving care, as well as a wonderful nursing team, a caring activity director, welcoming front desk gals and a friendly kitchen staff. We thank Windsor Place, Care One Rehab, the Lahey Clinic Palliative Team, and the Sawtelle Family Hospice house for supporting her additional needs with true compassion and dignity. We are forever grateful.
A devoted wife, cherished Mother, beloved sister, loving Nana and great grandmother. A wonderful friend and loving cousin to many. Roseann will be deeply missed by all those who loved her.
A funeral Mass will be held in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, MA on Friday, January 30, at 11AM. Relatives and friends are invited. Please go directly to church. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Roseann’s memory to: The Salvation Army Attn: Development Dept. 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021.
Services will conclude with burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.