STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here.
Donald J. Gundacker, 87, of Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, passed away at his home on April 28, 2024. Born on Staten Island on February 28, 1937, to Peter J. and Catherine Gundacker, through his paternal grandmother, Donald is a direct descendant of Hendrick Sleight and his wife, Catherine Winant, the daughter of Peter Winant, who settled on Staten Island in the 1690s. He married Margaret Madden in 1965, and they raised five children in their familial home. Donald retired from the NYC Dept. of Sanitation in 1989 and enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and gardening. He was deeply involved in local sports and was a member of the Fort Wadsworth Pelican Athletic Club. Donald leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren. Read the full obituary on SILive.
Samuel Cucciniello, 81, formerly of Staten Island, died on April 27, 2024, in Jackson, NJ. Born in Staten Island, he served as an Army Sgt in the Vietnam War and was honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Sam had a career lasting four decades at Merrill Lynch and enjoyed classic car shows, golfing, and gardening. He is survived by his wife, Jill, after fifty years of marriage, a son, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. Read the full obituary on SILive.
Robert Burns, 36, of Brick, New Jersey, passed away on April 20, 2024, at MSKCC in New York City. Born in Staten Island on December 17, 1987, Robert was a dedicated truck operator with passions for motorcycle riding, fishing, and photography. He cherished his time growing hemp and engaging in youthful pastimes like skateboarding and paintball. Remembered for his curious nature and gentle soul, Robert is survived by his parents, Jeff and Lauren; sister, Jessica; grandmothers Virginia and Gladys; best friend, Leland, and his beloved “fur babies,” Lola and Winston. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Read the full obituary on SILive.
Janet McLaughlin Marchese, 85, passed away suddenly of natural causes on April 29, 2024, at her home in Sunnyside, Staten Island. A lifelong Staten Islander, Janet attended PS 45 and Curtis High School and remained in her West Brighton neighborhood for over six decades. Janet dedicated many years of service to Dr. Jitendra Patel at HIP on Clove Road before retiring to enjoy activities like watching tennis and visiting casinos. Known for her love of animals, especially her Bichon Frise, Figaro, her affinity for all things Irish, and her enduring friendships, notably with Lillian McIsaac, her best friend of 80 years, she will be fondly remembered. Janet leaves behind her sister-in-law, Barbara McLaughlin, nieces, great-nieces, nephews, and cousins who were like sisters to her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of New York. Read the full obitituary on SILive.
YESTERDAY’S OBITUARIES
Joseph Louis Nizza, 82, known for his motto “Never Give Up,” passed away at 82, leaving behind a loving legacy of family memories highlighted by his enduring love for his wife of nearly 50 years, Rose Anne, his children, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren. Joe was a gentle giant, fiercely intelligent yet humble, and held himself to high moral standards. A proud former District Plant Manager for the New York City Department of Education, Joe’s passions ranged from sailing to creating stained glass art. He was deeply committed to living a life based on generosity and high moral standards, influenced by the traditions of his family. He will be greatly missed. Read the full obituary on SILive.
Dorothy Cubas, 97, also known as Ursula Loretta Priscilla Solomon, was known for her devotion to Bethel Community Church and enjoyed a long career as an Option Margin Clerk at Merrill Lynch. Dorothy had hobbies she loved, such as crocheting and knitting, making articles for family and friends. Residing in Staten Island her entire life, Dorothy passed away surrounded by a legacy of family who cherished her. An avid traveler, she had a particular fondness for St. Maarten, demonstrating a zest for life through her many community and church involvements. Read the full obituary on SILive.
Michael Mattia, 65, a respected physical therapist and community leader from Brooklyn, passed unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at his vacation home in Myrtle Beach, SC. Survived by his wife Regina, children, and many grandchildren, Michael founded Mattia Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation and was known for his commitment to advancing physical therapy. He served as an Adjunct Professor at the College of Staten Island and was Director of the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Kingsborough Community College. He was also inducted into the Wall of Fame at Kingsborough Community College and received a Certificate of Appreciation from the late Mayor David Dinkins. In his free time, Michael cherished moments with Regina, their children, and grandchildren. They attended mass at Holy Child Roman Catholic Church each Sunday. He adored his grandchildren, whether by the pool, beach or cheering at their events. Michael enjoyed fishing, golfing with his sons, listening to the Beatles, and attending concerts. His life was marked by service, as reflected in his leadership roles and the honor he brought to his community through his professional and personal life. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. Read the full obituary on SILive.
OpenAI was used to help generate an initial draft of this article, based on data provided by Legacy.com
Featured Obituaries
- Monsignor Thomas J. Bergin, beloved Staten Island high school principal, pastor, NYC Archdiocesan leader, dies at 88
- Donald Gundacker dies at 87. A man all about family, his Staten Island roots trace to 1690s.
- Joseph Louis Nizza dies. His passions – sailing, chess, racquetball . . . and family. He was 82.
- She ‘saw God in everyone.’ Annette Esposito, a Woman of Achievement, dies.
- Diane Hesterhagen, beloved Staten Island Catholic school educator and principal, dies at 59
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