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7/19/22-11/7/18 

Amboy Guardian News Package

Retirement Party Held at Mario’s Famous Pizza, Perth Amboy 48 Years of Service to the Salvation Army and the Community

Obituary and Remembrances Follow

Article & Photos Reprinted From 1/29/14 Issue of the Amboy Guardian

By: Carolyn Maxwell

PERTH AMBOY – I decided when I grow up, I want to be Rosie.

You may have seen Rosie walking around Perth Amboy when she was not at the Salvation Army which was very rare.

Rosie is pint-sized but has all the energy of a tornado. It is very rare to see a woman at the age of 90 – yes that is 90 so vibrant and who could probably move more quickly than people half her age. Correction – I’ve seen her move better! And without any kind of aid (crutch, cane, walker) than people in their 30’s. 

I had the privilege of being invited to Rosie’s retirement party held at Mario’s Famous Pizza on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Rosie’s niece, Debbie Foley planned the surprise party and boy! Was Rosie surprised when she walked in that door! See the expression on her face. (See top photo on left.)

Rosie was greeted by hugs and kisses from the adults but I think the sweetest hugs she received were from the youngsters who were there. 

I think Rosie was more popular than Santa Claus at that point. You can tell by the way the kids ran up to her with big smiles on their faces.

In 1993, Rosie was honored with the Honorama Life Member Award. This award has only been given out 38 times in the whole world.

Born July 19, 1922 Rosie became a USO Volunteer at the age of 20. She married Harry Weikel in 1957, but he passed away a short time into the marriage. Although Rosie never remarried or had children, the Salvation Army and the families they serviced became part of Rosie’s family. So, in essence Rosie did have many children.

Rosie has served not only in the Salvation Army honorably since 1965 when she became a full time housekeeper in the Salvation Army, but she has been recognized in other townships such as Woodbridge by then Mayor Jim McGreevey and when he became Governor.

There are too many awards, recognitions and behind the scenes contributions that Rosie has accomplished. They say if you enjoy what you are doing, then you have not worked a day in your life. Rosie worked for many years, but to her it was not work, because she truly enjoyed every day with the people she loved and loved her back. 

Reflections on Rose Weikel

Last Elder of the Salvation Army of 75 Years will be missed by the Members of the Church and All of Her Family, Especially Alice and Vincent Arcaro and all of Perth Amboy

Rosie was known to be on the corner of Madison and Smith on the lookout for homeless men and women who she attended to at all times.

Rose sporting a smile

PERTH AMBOY – Maurice Garrison and James Garrison (Who is a Member of the Perth Amboy Fire Department), Raymond Kawka, Jr., Fourteen-year-old twins Kenyon and Keon, Eleven-year-old Ahmad Garrison, Eleven-year-old Samiir Garrison and Five-year-old Armani Garrison all held a special place in Rosie’s heart.   

They were all her nephews and niece, but to them, she was really their Grandmom and Great-Grandmom.

They all took care of her when they could have been outside playing with their friends.

Rosie always would read the bible to Ahmad and take him to church. When Rosie could no longer read anymore, Ahmad would read the bible to Rosie every night. Known as RoRo to all of the family, her favorite song was “Jesus Loves Me,” which she used to sing to all of them, and taught them all of the words. She meant everything to them and she will sadly be missed by all of them.  Rosie told everyone, “God would always be watching you – and so will I.”

Denise Garrison, Rose, and Debbie Foley at Rose’s
96th Birthday Party

Ahmad Garrison reads the 23rd Psalm to Rosie

Obituary: Rose Weikel: 1922-2018

PERTH AMBOY – One of Perth Amboy’s lifelong icons, Rose Mary “Rosie” Weikel (nee Thomas) passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 7 2018 with her family by her side. 

Rose Weikel
1922-2018

Rose, known to her family and friends as “Rosie”, was a lifelong resident of Perth Amboy where she served its residents for 48 years as an Exemplary Employee of The Salvation Army. From serving as a USO Volunteer during WWII to serving a warm plate to the homeless on any given night, Rosie was a helping hand to anyone in need. Even if you were meeting Rosie for the 1st time, she welcomed all the same, with a warm embrace and a radiant smile. 

Rosie was happiest when serving others and always did it with a joyful heart. She influenced the youth around her by serving as a Sunbeam Leader and Sunday School Teacher for the Salvation Army. She also served as Treasurer for The Home League. Her dedication to others was recognized by many. In 2014 Rosie was awarded the Salvation Army Community Care Ministries Award and that same year she was presented The Proclamation of the City of Perth Amboy; The Perth Amboy Girl Scouts awarded her with The Woman of Distinction Award in 2012 and Former Mayor McGreevey of Woodbridge Presented her with an Exemplary Behavior of a Citizen Award; The Salvation Army awarded her with the William Booth Founder Award, which is the highest award given by the Salvation Army; and in 1993 she was 1 of the 38 people in the world awarded with An Honorama Life Member of the Home League Award.

Rosie is predeceased by her husband Harry Weikel, who passed away in 1960; loving daughter of George & Loretta (nee Duffy) Thomas; adored sister of Margaret “Margie” Kawka, Emma Longnecker, Ann Pytel, Gladys Foley, Arthur “Archie”, George, Thomas R. “Tommy” and Frank Thomas. 

She is survived by her beloved sister Alice and her husband Vincent Arcaro; cherished nieces and caregivers Debra Foley & Denise Garrison; adored aunt of Goddaughter Alice and her husband Phil Graham, Darlene and her husband Kirby Lohff, Raymond and his wife Nancy Kawka, Brenda and her husband Eddie Flynn and George  Longnecker; loving great and great great aunt of many.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at 9:30 am at the Salvation Army, 433 State Street, Perth Amboy. Interment will follow at Alpine Cemetery. Visiting is on Tuesday from 2 ~ 4 & 7 ~ 9 pm. Arrangements are entrusted at Gustav J. Novak Funeral Home, 419 Barclay Street, Perth Amboy.