OBITS: Staten Island Advance 7 Nov 2005; Staten Island, Richmond co., New York text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen for The USGenWeb Archives Project *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/ny/nyfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: Staten Island Advance Death Notices http://www.statenislandadvance.com/ Abildnes, Ralph Ole Ralph Ole Abildnes of Westerleigh on November 5, 2005. Beloved husband of Joyce E. (nee Olsen). Dear father of Janice Fanuzzi and Ralph O. Abildnes, Jr. Father-in-law of George Fanuzzi. Fond brother of Ethel Mulligan. Adored grandfather of Lauren Fanuzzi. Funeral from the Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, 1289 Forest Ave, P.R., on Tuesday at 9:30 A.M. Service at Zion Lutheran Church 10 A.M. Interment Fairview Cemetery. Friends will be received Monday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home Family Owned www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/6/2005 - 11/7/2005. Arbucci, Ernie Ernie Arbucci of New Dorp on November 5, 2005. Beloved husband of Martha. Devoted father of Danielle (Squirrel). Loving uncle of many nieces and nephews and great uncle of Jade, Alexa-Rae and Jacquelynn Drew. Funeral from Colonial Funeral Home, 2819 Hylan Blvd., corner of Tysens Lane. Mass Wednesday 9:15 A.M. St. Charles RC Church. Interment Moravian Cemetery. Visiting hours Monday and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/6/2005 - 11/7/2005. Boylan, Loretta M. (Callan) Loretta M. Boylan (nee Callan) of Whiting. NJ. formerly of Silver Lake on November 5, 2005. Beloved wife of Thomas J. Boylan. Loving mother of Catherine Crowe, Deborah A. Boylan and Thomas J. Boylan Jr. Cherished grandmother of Caitlin, Robert, and Patrick Crowe. Adored sister of John and Joseph Callan. Funeral from Harmon Home for Funerals, 571 Forest Ave, West Brighton, Tuesday 9:45 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial Blessed Sacrament Church. 10:30 A.M. Private cremation to follow. Friends will be received Monday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. K. Terrance McGinley, Director, Harmon Home for Funerals Locally Family Owned and Operated Staten Island's only member of the International Order of the www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/6/2005 - 11/7/2005. Donnellan, Helen "Helena" (Meenan) Helen (Helena) Donnellan (nee Meenan) of Great Kills on November 5, 2005. Beloved wife of the late William. Loving mother of Linda Vadala and the late William Donnellan. Dear mother-in-law of Frank Vadala. Adored grandmother of two granddaughters Natalie Friedman and Amy Vadala. Funeral service from Casey McCallum-Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Ave, Great Kills, on Wednesday. Mass of Christian Burial St. Clare's Church at 8:45 A.M. Interment St. John's Cemetery, Queens. Friends will be received Monday and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Casey McCallum-Rice Funeral Home www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/7/2005 - 11/8/2005. Engelhardt, Frieda Frieda Engelhardt of Great Kills on November 5, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Alvin. Loving mother of Alma Haughwout and Ronald Engelhardt. Cherished grandmother of Richard, Karen, Debra and Lisa. Devoted great-grandmother of seven great-grand-children. Funeral service at JOHN VINCENT SCALIA HOME FOR FUNERALS, 28 ELTINGVILLE BLVD. (AT ELTINGVILLE STATION), Wednesday 11 A.M. Interment Ocean View Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will take place on Tuesday from 2-5 and 7-10 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance on 11/7/2005. Fedele Sr., Joseph Sr. Joseph Fedele, Sr., of Port Richmond on November 4, 2005. Beloved husband of Averina. Loving father of Salvatore, Tony, Adelindo, Vincenza, Joseph and Johnny. Father-in-law of Maddalena, Linda, Rachel and Carol. Also survived by twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral from MATTHEW FUNERAL HOME INC., 2508 VICTORY BLVD. AT WILLOWBROOK RD., on Wednesday 9:30 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial St. Roch's Church 10 A.M. Interment St. Peter's Cemetery. Friends may call Monday and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Foundation, would be appreciated. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/6/2005 - 11/8/2005. Felice, Antoinette Antoinette Felice of West Brighton on November 4, 2005. Wife of the late Salvatore Felice. Mother of Anna Felice, Diane Cipolli, Michael Pryor and Wayne McIntyre. Sister of Carmela Baurle, Vito and John Ferrara. Also survived by ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral from the Scamardella Funeral Home, 322 Broadway, West Brighton, on Wednesday 9:15 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial St. Michael's R.C. Church Wednesday 10 A.M. Interment St. Peter's Cemetery. Viewing Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Joann Scamardella Licensed Funeral Home www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/7/2005 - 11/8/2005. Giordano, Philip V. Philip V. Giordano of Rosebank on November 5, 2005. Beloved husband of the late Frances. Loving father of Ida and Philip. Adored grandfather of John and Philip. Funeral from Dongan Hills Virginia Funeral Chapel, 1707 Hylan Blvd., Wednesday 8:45 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial St. Joseph's (Rosebank) Church 9:30 A.M. Interment Moravian Cemetery. Visiting hours Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/6/2005 - 11/7/2005. Julian, Francis "Sonny" Francis "Sonny" Julian on November 3, 2005. Devoted husband of Dorothy (nee Harris). Loving father of Richard, Patricia, Dorothy and Margaret. Loving grandfather of fifteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Reposing at A. Azzara Funeral Home Inc., 183 Sand Lane, South Beach, S.I. Funeral Mass St. Margaret Mary's Church at 9:30 A.M. Private cremation to follow. Visiting Sunday 7-9 P.M., Monday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. A. Azzara Funeral Home., Inc. Family Owned & Operated since 1900 www.SILive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/5/2005 - 11/7/2005. Marrocco, Pasquelina Pasquelina Marrocco of Eltingville on November 5, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Celesto. Loving mother of Guispena DeParolis, Fred Marrocco, Ralph Marrocco and the late Luigi Marrocco and the late Michael Marrocco. Dear sister of Francis Vitale and Vincent Rosato. Cherished grandmother of eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Funeral from JOHN VINCENT SCALIA HOME FOR FUNERALS, 28 ELTINGVILLE BLVD. (AT ELTINGVILLE STATION), Wednesday 9:45 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial 10:45 A.M. Holy Child Church. Entombment Moravian Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will take place on Monday and Tuesday 2-5 and 7-10 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/7/2005 - 11/8/2005. Piscopo, Julia S. (Susdak) Julia S. Piscopo (nee Susdak) of Willowbrook on November 5, 2005. Beloved wife of Peter J. Piscopo. Dear mother of James L. Piscopo and Colette Curry. Mother-in-law of Eileen Piscopo and Dean Curry. Fond sister of Raymond and Joseph Melnik and Stella Horai. Adored grandmother of Jeremy, Todd, James, Brian and Michael. Funeral from the Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, 1289 Forest Ave, P.R., on Wednesday 9 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial Holy Family RC Church 9:45 A.M. Interment St. Peter's Cemetery. Friends will be received Monday and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home Family Owned www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/6/2005 - 11/8/2005. Realmuto, Onofrio V. "Nofri" Onofrio "Nofri" V. Realmuto of Iselin, New Jersey on Friday, November 4, 2005, age 92. Loving son of the late Frank and Rose Realmuto. Beloved brother of Johanna Broderick of Staten Island. Beloved stepbrother of James Catalano, Rose Stampinato and Sara Masillo. Cherished uncle of many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews. Long time friend of the Zullo family. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 8th at 9:30 A.M. at the GOSSLIN FUNERAL HOME, 660 New Dover Rd, Edison, followed by an 11 A.M. Mass at St. John the Apostle R.C. Church, Linden, N.J. Entombment to follow in St. Gertrude's Cemetery, Colonia. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance on 11/7/2005. Rossi, Janice Janice Rossi of New Dorp on November 5 , 2005. Beloved wife of Frank. Loving mother of Jonathan and Angelica. Cherished daughter Harvey and Ruth Malakoff and granddaughter of Hilda Malakoff and Sylvia Wohl. Fond sister of David Malakoff and Sharon Krieger. Also survived and loved by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Memorial Service Tuesday 8 P.M. at the Hanley Funeral Home, 60 New Dorp Lane. Friends will be received Tuesday from 7-9 P.M. Hanley Funeral Home, Inc Family Owned and Operated www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/7/2005 - 11/8/2005. Thompson, Alma Alma Thompson of West Brighton on November 4, 2005. Loving sister of Lorraine Thompson, Alice Smith, and Clyde Thompson. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral from Harmon Home for Funerals, 571 Forest Ave, West Brighton, Wednesday 9:15 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial Mount Carmel St. Benedicta's Church 10 A.M. Interment Silver Mount Cemetery. Friends will be received Monday 7-9 P.M. and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. K. Terrance McGinley, Director, Harmon Home for Funerals Locally Family Owned and Operated Staten Island's only member of the International Order of the www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/6/2005 - 11/8/2005. Tobin, John J. John J. Tobin of New Brighton on November 6, 2005. Loving brother of William Tobin. Adored uncle of Vivienne Doyle and Janine Pepe. Also survived by five great-nieces and nephews. Funeral from Casey Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Ave., Castleton Corners, Wednesday. Mass of Christian Burial St. Teresa's Church 9:30 A.M. Interment St. Peter's Cemetery. Friends will be received Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions to American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/7/2005 - 11/8/2005. Verardi, Anthony V. Anthony V. Verardi of Bulls Head on November 6, 2005. Beloved husband of the late Rosemary. Dear brother of Christina Dente. Loving uncle of Florence DeMarco, Janet Sedutto and Margaret Delegro. Funeral from MATTHEW FUNERAL HOME INC., 2508 VICTORY BLVD. AT WILLOWBROOK RD., on Wednesday 9 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial our Lady of Pity Church 9:30 A.M. Private interment Calverton National Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/7/2005 - 11/8/2005. PHILIP GIORDANO, 78 Retired Parks worker, labor union leader Monday, November 07, 2005 Philip V. Giordano, 78, of Clifton, a lifelong Staten Islander, retired Parks Department worker and tireless advocate for workers' rights, died Saturday in St. Vincent's Hospital, West Brighton, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born and raised in Rosebank, he moved to Tompkinsville after returning home from World War II. He settled in Clifton 35 years ago. Mr. Giordano worked as a laborer for the city's Parks Department for 38 years, retiring 12 years ago. In the 1970s, he became increasingly active in the AFL-CIO labor union, and worked his way up from grievance representative to president of Local 1505 of District Council 37, representing the city's park service workers. He was also actively involved with the Staten Island Political Action Committee. According to his family, Mr. Giordano fought hard for the rights of workers through his involvement with the union. A World War II veteran, Mr. Giordano served in the Army in Italy and Switzerland. For his service in the Army, he received the Army of Occupation Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was a member of the Labetti Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Rosebank. His daughter-in-law, Christine Giordano, remembered Mr. Giordano's excellent talent for cooking fine Italian meals, which were famous in his family. Mr. Giordano enjoyed painting with oils and acrylics, and captured all kinds of subjects with his brush. He also liked fishing. His wife of 53 years, the former Frances Bonventre, died in 2003. Surviving are his son, Philip; his daughter, Ida Giordano, and two grandsons. The funeral will be Wednesday from the Virginia Funeral Chapel, Dongan Hills, with a mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Rosebank. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp. ONOFRIO REALMUTO, 92 Retired concrete and cement worker Monday, November 07, 2005 Former Staten Islander Onofrio (Nofrio) Realmuto, 92, of Iselin, N.J., a retired concrete and cement worker, died Friday in the JFK Medical Center, Edison, N.J. Born in Manhattan, Mr. Realmuto was brought to the Bronx as a child and moved to New Dorp in 1932. He moved to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 1980 and to Iselin earlier this month. Mr. Realmuto served in the U.S. Army as a private first class during World War II. He was in the 102nd Calvary Recon, stationed in the European theater. During the war, Mr. Realmuto met Fred Zullo, who became a lifelong friend along with members of his family. A member of the Local 20, Laborers International Union of North America, Mr. Realmuto was a concrete and cement worker for various contractors throughout New York City for about 30 years, retiring around 1975. He was still a member of the union after retiring and became a Gold Card carrying member. Mr. Realmuto enjoyed raising pigeons and canaries. Surviving are a sister, Johanna (Jennie) Broderick; a stepbrother, James Catalano, and two stepsisters, Rose Stampinato and Sara Masillo. The funeral will be tomorrow from the Gosselin Funeral Home, Edison, N.J., with a mass at 11 a.m. in St. John the Apostle R.C. Church, Linden, N.J. Entombment will follow in St. Gertrude's Cemetery, Colonia, N.J. MEGAN O'BRIEN, 3 Toddler had started preschool in August Monday, November 07, 2005 Megan Gloria O'Brien, 3, of West Keansburg, N.J., died Friday of pneumonia in Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel, N.J. The toddler, whom her family described as very intelligent for her age, just started preschool in August. Megan loved cooking with her mother and helping with recipes made with tomatoes she would pick from the garden. She also loved music and dancing with her father. She liked helium balloons, flying kites and drawing. She also enjoyed watching the television shows "Dora the Explorer" and "Blues Clues," and getting her nails painted. Megan attended mass with her family at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, Keyport, N.J. Surviving are her parents, Timothy and Ann; her sister, Heather; her paternal grandparents, Bill and Gloria O'Brien; 17 cousins, and 17 aunts and uncles. The funeral will be Wednesday from the Laurel Funeral Home, West Keansburg, with a mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Middletown, N.J. JANICE ROSSI, 41 PS 4 kindergarten teacher enjoyed helping others Monday, November 07, 2005 Janice Rossi, 41, of New Dorp, a beloved kindergarten teacher at PS 4 in Arden Heights, died Saturday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze. Born in Brooklyn the former Janice Malakoff, she moved to New Dorp 10 years ago. Mrs. Rossi was a kindergarten teacher at PS 4 in Arden Heights for the past three years. Prior to that, she had also worked as a substitute teacher for the city Board of Education at many Staten Island elementary schools for six years. Mrs. Rossi graduated from Canarsie High School in Brooklyn. She received a bachelor's degree in education from the College of Staten Island and was currently working toward her master's degree in education on-line from Touro University International. Mrs. Rossi was dedicated to her children, family and home. She spent a lot of her time gardening flowers and herbs in the gardens in the yard of her home. She enjoyed reading, especially books written by Steven King and Anne Rice, and enjoyed the art of Thomas Kinkade. "She was the kind of person that helped older people with their groceries. Grocers, cashiers, bakers, and everyone that met her loved her because she was such a kind person," said her husband of 17 years, Frank Rossi. In addition to her husband, Frank, Mrs. Rossi is survived by a son, Jonathan; a daughter, Angelica Rossi; her parents, Harvey and Ruth Malakoff; a brother, David Malakoff; a sister, Sharon Krieger, and her grandmothers, Sylvia Wohl and Hilda Malakoff. The funeral will be held tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Sherman's Memorial Chapel, Brooklyn. A memorial service will be held tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. in the Hanley Funeral Home, New Dorp. HELEN DONNELLAN, 87 Homemaker enjoyed reading, watching old movies Monday, November 07, 2005 Helen "Helena" Donnellan, 87, of Great Kills, a homemaker, died Saturday at home. Born in Brooklyn the former Helen Meenan, she moved to Great Kills in 1969. Mrs. Donnellan enjoyed watching television, especially old movies. She enjoyed reading and was a fan of books by Mary Higgins Clark. She also loved animals, especially dogs. "She loved her home and grandchildren very much. She was happiest when she was with the family," said her daughter, Linda Vandala. Mrs. Donnellan's husband of 30 years, William, died in 1973. She was also predeceased by her son, William Jr., who died in 1966. In addition to her daughter, Linda, Mrs. Donnellan is survived by her two granddaughters. The funeral will be Wednesday from the Casey-McCallum-Rice Funeral Home with a mass at 8:45 a.m. in St. Clare's R.C. Church, Great Kills. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Queens. FRIEDA ENGELHARDT, 94 Great Kills homemaker had worked in bakery Monday, November 07, 2005 Frieda Engelhardt, 94, of Great Kills, died Saturday in Carmel Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Dongan Hills, where she had been a patient for one week. Born Frieda Nessler in Brooklyn, she lived in West Brighton before settling in Great Kills in the late 1960s. Mrs. Engelhardt worked for many years in a family-owned bakery on Clove Road in West Brighton. She was a member of the Mount Loretto Friendship Club and the Oakwood AARP chapter. Mrs. Engelhardt was always optimistic, which may have been her secret to longevity, according to her family. "She never got upset about anything," said her son, Ronald. "She loved life and had a good attitude." She enjoyed traveling and took several cruises. She also liked to read. Mrs. Engelhardt loved being with her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Great Kills. Her husband of more than 30 years, Alvin, died in 1968. In addition to her son, Ronald, surviving are her daughter, Alma Haughwout; four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. The funeral will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Eltingville. Burial will follow in Ocean View Cemetery, Oakwood. FRANK VALENTE, 62 Former carpenter also sold goods at flea market Monday, November 07, 2005 Frank A. Valente, 62, of West Brighton, a former union carpenter who ran a table at the Englishtown (N.J.) Flea Market, died Thursday at home following a long illness. Born in Tompkinsville, Mr. Valente graduated from McKee High School and joined the Marines in 1960. Mr. Valente loved to travel. As a young man, he lived in Hawaii, California and Arizona. He then settled in West Brighton, and also maintained a second residence in Absecon, N.J. Mr. Valente worked as a carpenter with the New York District Council of Carpenters for several years. An avid reader and writer, he penned many poems and short stories. He enjoyed collecting antiques and had a large collection of Depression-era glassware and bottles. Mr. Valente was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Association. Surviving are his mother, Carmella Valente; and two sisters, Virginia and Mary Valente. The funeral will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, Port Richmond. A private cremation will follow. ERNIE ARBUCCI, 60 Retired Sanitation worker was a car buff Monday, November 07, 2005 Ernie Arbucci, 60, of New Dorp, a retired city Sanitation worker, died Saturday in Mount Sinai Hospital, Manhattan. A native of Brooklyn, Mr. Arbucci graduated from high school there and settled in New Dorp in 2001 with his wife, the former Martha Gillespie, and their daughter, Danielle. He worked for the New York City Department of Sanitation, Brooklyn 11 Division, for 20 years. He retired in early August. Mr. Arbucci was described by his wife as a "car nut" because he admired all kinds of cars. He also enjoyed watching auto racing, working in his garden and playing PlayStation 2. According to his family, he looked forward to fishing off the pier in South Beach with his friends during his retirement. Mr. Arbucci always had friends and family around him, and especially enjoyed having Sunday dinners with everyone. "He was a special husband and was loved by many and appreciated by all," said his wife, Martha. "My father was my hero and my whole life," his daughter, Danielle, added. Mr. Arbucci was a parishioner of St. Charles R.C. Church, Oakwood. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Martha, and his daughter, Danielle. The funeral will be Wednesday from the Colonial Funeral Home, New Dorp, with a mass at 9:15 a.m. in St. Charles Church. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp. ANTHONY VERARDI, 93 Air Force veteran survived attack on Pearl Harbor Monday, November 07, 2005 Native Staten Islander Anthony V. Verardi, 93, of Bulls Head, a U.S. Air Force veteran who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, died yesterday at St. Vincent's Hospital, West Brighton. Born in New Brighton, Mr. Verardi moved to Bulls Head in the 1950s. He was a staff sergeant in the Air Force for several years and then worked for New York Life Insurance Co. for 10 years. Family members said he was one of the last remaining survivors of the Dec. 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that brought the United States into World War II. He never discussed his experiences, said his niece, Florence DeMarco. He retired at age 60, and met his wife, Rosemary, while vacationing in England. The two were married and moved to Canterbury, England, where he lived until about 1997, two years after her death. Mr. Verardi then returned to Bulls Head. "He was a very strong man. He just rolled with the punches," Mrs. DeMarco said. 'He was very happy and he was always singing old Italian songs." Mr. Verardi traveled the world and enjoyed walking. He would walk to mass each Sunday at Our Lady of Pity R.C. Church, Bulls Head, where he was a parishioner. "He was very close to my children, Diane and Susan, and Diane's three daughters," Mrs. DeMarco said. Surviving is a sister, Christina Dente. His wife, Rosemary, died in 1995. The funeral will be Wednesday from the Matthew Funeral Home, Willowbrook, with a mass at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Pity Church. A private burial will follow in Calverton (L.I.) National Cemetery. ALMA THOMPSON, 75 West Brighton resident was a retired dietary aide Monday, November 07, 2005 Alma Thompson, 75, of West Brighton, a former machine operator and dietary aide, died Friday in Staten Island University Hospital, Prince's Bay. Born in Tompkinsville, Miss Thompson settled in West Brighton in 1947 and attended McKee High School. She had lived in the same home on North Burgher Avenue since she was a teen-ager. During the early 1960s she was a machine operator at Maidenform, Bayonne. She then worked for local hospitals as a dietary aide planning meals for nearly 20 years. Miss Thompson worked at the former Willowbrook State School, Staten Island Hospital and at the former Sea View Hospital. She retired in the 1980s. Miss Thompson was a member of the West Brighton Senior Center and enjoyed taking trips to Atlantic City. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Benedicta R.C. Church, West Brighton. Miss Thompson also enjoyed preparing holiday dinners, dancing and listening to gospel music. "When the music came on she started to dance, the two went hand in hand," said her sister, Lorraine Bishop Thompson. Miss Thompson enjoyed spending time with her 10 nieces and nephews. She was also a great-aunt to 12 and a great-great aunt to four. According to her sister, she was always there for her nieces and nephews. "She would help get her nieces and nephews on and off the school bus," her sister said. "The entire family lived very close to one another and knew they could always depend on her. We are all going to miss her." In addition to her sister, Lorraine, surviving is another sister, Alice Thompson Smith, and her brother, Clyde Thompson. The funeral will be Wednesday from the Harmon Home for Funerals, West Brighton, with a mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Benedicta Church. Burial will follow in Silver Mount Cemetery, Silver Lake. ALEXANDER SAMAROTTO, 88 Former musician, chef and waiter Monday, November 07, 2005 Alexander Samarotto, 88, of Great Kills, a former musician and Manhattan chef and head waiter, died Friday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze. Born in the Piedmont region of Italy, Mr. Samarotto was brought to New York City as a child where he studied violin under Hugo Gigante, a fellow Italian immigrant. Mr. Samarotto also learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mr. Samarotto was a clarinet soloist in the Army's band. After his discharge, he played the saxophone in several swing bands, most notably with Paul Whiteman, a popular orchestral leader who dubbed himself the "King of Jazz." Mr. Samarotto met his wife, the former Rosetta Scrosoppi, while playing at a diplomatic ball in Washington, D.C. She was the governess for the children of an English diplomat. When they married in 1951, Mr. Samarotto gave up his musical life to provide for his family. He and his wife moved to Queens and Mr. Samarotto decided to go into the restaurant business. For more than 20 years, he worked for numerous upscale restaurants in Manhattan, including the St. Regis Hotel, as a chef and head waiter. According to his family, he worked with the same precision and refinement that his father, a chef at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, had. Mr. Samarotto's cooking career was cut short, however, when he suffered a heart attack in the 1970s and was unable to return. According to his family, he spent the rest of his days convalescing and reading, especially historical literature. He and his wife settled in Great Kills about 10 years ago. In addition to his wife of 54 years, Rosetta, Mr. Samarotto is survived by his daughter, Alexa Samarotto, and his son, Frank. The funeral will be Wednesday from the Casey-McCallum-Rice South Shore Funeral Home with a mass at 11 a.m. in St. Clare's R.C. Church, both in Great Kills. Following cremation, his ashes will be interred in St. Raymond's Cemetery, the Bronx.