The Bronx gathered on Wednesday, December 17, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 627 E. 187th Street, to mourn the passing of the ‘first lady’ of Arthur Avenue, Mama Rose Bochino Migliucci.
Rose passed away on Saturday, December 13, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy and life that touched many people throughout the Bronx.
“She was the best, there was no one better than her,” said her son, Joseph Migliucci. “She was our counselor, our advisor, and the strength of this family, she was such a strong woman, both mentally and physically.”
Born November of 1914, Rose was a Bronx girl from the very beginning. Living in the Belmont area, known as ‘Little Italy,’ she fell in love and married Mario Migliucci, son of the founder of Mario’s Restaurant, located at 2342 Arthur Avenue.
“She meant the world to me, I loved her dearly, she was such a great woman and taught me everything I know. She had such love for her family and we spent a lot of great years together, not everyone gets the opportunity to spend everyday with their grandmother,” said Regina Migliucci-Delfino.
Their marriage flourished for over 70 years, and resulted in a large beautiful family, including son Joseph Migliucci, married to Barbara with seven children and 12 grandchildren, and daughter Diane, married to Michael Lentini with two children and two grandchildren. Though already a big family, customers find the greatest appeal to visiting Mario’s is feeling like you’re a part of theirs.
“She had a marvelous intuitive sense,” said Bill O’Shaughnessy, long time customer and family friend. “My own wife, Nancy, once said she wished Mama Rose was her own mother.”
Rose, spent all her time in Mario’s serving the customers and running the cappuccino machine. She would bring in special treats from home and always brought a smile to customer’s faces. She offered her guidance and wisdom to all who entered the doors and was always available to mother anyone in need.
“She was adored by so many people, they would always come in and look for her,” said Migliucci-Delfino. “Everyone used to love her ‘Mom Salad’ because she would always make it special and no one could make it like she could, though many have tried.”
Though Rose Migliucci has moved on to a better place, it is safe to say that the people of Belmont and the Bronx will not soon forget this extraordinary woman and all she brought to the community.
“A lot of restaurateurs are in it for the buck, and can tell you the house count. Mama was much more interested in your children and grandchildren, your wife, or your travails,” said O’Shaughnessy, who gave her the title ‘first lady.’ “It was much more than hospitality, what Mama Rose had they don’t teach. She had a generosity and spirit like no other, and it must be in the genes because her son Joseph has it too.”
