Edward J. Rose

LITTLE FALLS - Long time City Court Judge and local attorney Edward J. Rose passed away on October 28th, 2025, at the age of 86.

Judge Rose was born in Syracuse, NY. He attended Nottingham High School, LeMoyne College, and Syracuse University School of Law. Upon graduation from law school, he and his wife Gail moved to Little Falls and the young attorney took up employment with well­ known trial attorney George Fiesinger. The legal career of attorney Rose extended more than 60 years.

In 1970 attorney Rose was appointed City Court Judge. Sans a term when his children were in high school and susceptible to appearing before him, he held that position until 2006. In 1980 he opened the Rose Law Office where he and his wife worked side by side for over 40 years and with their son Mark for over 30 years. In 2004 the new Little Falls City Court Facility was dedicated to and named after Judge Rose. He took great pride in swearing in his son as City Court Judge in 2007 and then swearing him in as Justice of the New York State Supreme Court in 2022.

Ed was proud of his Italian heritage. He was often seen wearing his Italia sports gear. His two trips to Italy were dreams come true. As an avid Syracuse sports, New York Yankee, and Buffalo Bills fan he was always on the edge of his seat at the end of a close game. Ed possessed a great sense of humor and particularly loved watching episodes of Seinfeld over and over. A devout Catholic, he could be seen walking from his home to noon mass daily. He was a member of the Holy Family Parish, Little Falls Elks Lodge and an honorary member of the Little Falls Decarlo Staffo.

Ed took delight in family dinner each Sunday whereupon he was always up for a good fight defending his political ideals. He took great pride in the diversified success of his children's businesses which include Milo's and Epolito's pizzerias, the Lakewood Furniture Gallery, and the Rose Law Office. Most importantly, Ed took pride in the over 60 years of marriage to his beloved wife Gail. He truly considered the two a team in the truest sense. He taught his children well as he always spoke highly of his cherished wife to them.

Ed is survived by his wife, Gail (Raymond) Rose, his children, Hon. Mark (Rita) Rose of Little Falls, Patricia (Tom) Bertges of Lakewood NY, Milo Rose of San Diego and Chicklena Rose of North Carolina,6 grandchildren, Mariana (John), Edward, Autumn, Sage, Charles and Jaylen and one great grandchild, Emma Estelle. He is also survived by sisters-in-laws, Susan Rose, Jane Cole, and Mary Raymond, and Brother-in-law Curtis (Mickey) Raymond of Florida. He was predeceased by his brother, Hon. William Rose of Syracuse.

The family thanks the staff at Alpine RNC in Little Falls, Little Falls Hospital and Wynn Hospital for their competent, professional and compassionate care. The care givers were top rate.

Please consider contributions in his memory to either the Little Falls Food pantry or a local charity of your choice.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday November 5th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Holy Family Parish Church in Little Falls. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday November 6th at 11 AM at Holy Family Parish. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, town of Herkimer. A reception will follow at the Little Falls Elks Lodge.

Arrangements are entrusted to The Enea Family Funeral Home, Little Falls, New York. This obituary may be visited at the funeral home website, www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 823-2424.