Rose M. (Scarnato) McGiffen

     Rose M. McGiffen, age 93 of Lewistown and formerly of Knox, passed away on Sunday morning, January 4, 2026 at Geisinger Hospital-Lewistown.

     Born January 15, 1932 in Butler, she was a daughter of the late Serafino Scarnato and Filomena Santoro Scarnato.

    She was Catholic by faith and grew up in Butler County with siblings, Dr. Samuel Scarnato, Pete Scarnato, Isabelle Navalio, Barbara DiPippa and Lucy Rotunda.

    Rose married Milton McGiffen, Sr. in June of 1958 and he preceded her in death on April 13, 1998.

    She moved to Nickleville, where she raised her children; Milton McGiffen, Jr. of California, Kathy Knarr of Lewistown, Ted McGiffen of Colorado, Tom McGiffen of Vietnam, and Sam McGiffen of Florida.

     Rose has seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

     She moved to Lewistown in 1999 and 2023 to live with her daughter, Kathy, and son-in-law, Mark, as she could no longer take care of herself. She remained there until her death.

    Rose was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Lewistown where she volunteered for the church thrift store and after school program.  She was also a member of the American Legion.

     Family and friends will be received from Noon-2 p.m., Thursday in the funeral home.

     Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m.

     Interment will take place at the St. Mark’s Cemetery in Kossuth.

     Online condolences may be sent to Rose’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

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