Rose Viscuso Scudero passed away on Friday, May 9, after a long illness. She was loved by many and will be missed by all. She had a positive outlook on life and was at her best when surrounded by family and friends.
Rose was born in Pittsburg, and graduated from Pittsburg High School. She was employed at the Modern Drug Store and McKell Drug Stores in Pittsburg and Antioch for 20 years. In 1966 Rose started another career as office manager for oral surgeon Dr. Paul McKee for 11 years. Never one to be idle, Rose later worked as an outside sales agent for Columbus Travel and later Time to Travel in Antioch. Rose was a Past President of the Delta Art Society in Antioch, was Treasurer, Trustee, Ways and Means Chair, and Convention Delegate during her 25 years as a member of The Sons of Italy, and in 2003 she was appointed a member of the State Commission for Social Justice. As a member of the Pittsburg Historical Society for 25 years, Rose served 2 years as President and was a longtime Board Member. Based on her childhood experiences and resultant research, Rose became a main contributor in gathering and disseminating information for "Una Storia Secreta" (The Secret Story), and in 1998, as part of a group, she appeared before the House of Representatives Judicial Committee in Washington, DC to testify about the relocation and internment of Italians during WWII. Eventually a bill was unanimously passed, acknowledging this treatment and was signed by President Bill Clinton in 1999. In 2007, Rose was honored by the Soroptimist International of Pittsburg as the Italian Woman of the Year, and in 2009, she received the Waddignham/Doctor Award from the California Conference of Historical Societies.
Rose was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Robert M. Scudero in 1997. She is survived by her son, Robert C. (Leslie), daughter Renee Lane (Ross), grandchildren Brandie Lane, Natalie Castellanoz (Jose), Daniel Lane, Kellie Lane, and Nikki Scudero, great-grandson Santino Castellanoz, and sister Angelina Brix. Rose is also survived by her loving companion of many years, Vincent Vetrano.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 2:00pm with a vigil at 4:00pm at the Pittsburg Funeral Chapel. Funeral liturgy Monday, May 19, 2014 at 10:00am at the Most Holy Rosary Church, Antioch. Committal services following at Holy Cross Cemetery, Antioch. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Pittsburg Historical Society or a charity of your choice.