OBITS: Staten Island Advance 22 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/ Baron, Richard Richard Baron of Elm Park on November 20, 2005. Beloved father of Jacqueline Baron. Also survived by two grandchildren. Funeral Service Harmon Home for Funerals, 571 Forest Ave, West Brighton, Wednesday 6:15 P.M. Committal private Friends will be received Wednesday 6-8 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 11/21/2005 - 11/22/2005. Bordenka, Edward Edward Bordenka on November 20, 2005. Devoted father of Maureen Krudner and Edward. Cherished grandfather of Richard and Eric. Reposing at Colonial Funeral Home, 2819 Hylan Blvd., corner of Tysens Lane. Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Funeral Mass Wednesday 10 A.M. St. Christopher's Church. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance on 11/22/2005. Brown, Edna E. (Kibat) Edna E. Brown (nee Kibat) on Sunday, November 20, 2005 of Union, N.J., formerly of Staten Island, N.Y. Wife of the late Edward Brown. Mother of Patricia Steitz, Bruce and Carol Brown. Daughter of the late George and Bertha Kibat. Grandmother of Christina, Bruce and Tyler Brown, Danielle and Ryan Steitz. Memorial Service was held in the Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Avenue, Union, N.J., on Monday, November 21, 2005 at 3 P.M. Cremation was private. www.Silive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance on 11/22/2005. Cicio, Daniel J. Daniel J. Cicio of New Springville on November 20, 2005. Beloved husband of Marilyn Cicio (nee Scribani). Loving father of Steven and Susan Cicio. Adored grandfather of Daniel Cicio, Janine Colyer and Jesse Ciardiello. Funeral from Casey Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Ave, Castleton Corners, on Wednesday. Mass of Christian Burial St. Teresa's Church 9:30 A.M. Interment Moravian Cemetery. Friends will be received Monday 7-9 P.M. and Tuesday2-4 and 7-9 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/21/2005 - 11/22/2005. Cote, Helen Helen Cote of Pleasant Plains on November 20, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Arthur. Dear sister of George Karavasilis. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, 7447 Amboy Rd. Friday, November 25, 9 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial St. Thomas the Apostle R.C. Church 9:30 A.M. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may visit Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Family Owned & Operated since 1841 www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/22/2005 - 11/23/2005. DiMeglio, Angela (Mennella) Angela DiMeglio (nee Mennella). Devoted wife of Dominick. Beloved and cherished mother of Ralph. Dear sister of Louis, Nancy Nuziale and Louise. Mass St. Mary's 9:30 A.M. Wednesday. IN REPOSE RACCUGLIA & SON 321-323 Court Street 718-855-7737 www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance on 11/22/2005. Enad, Ruth Ruth Enad on November 20, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Dr. Jesus Enad. Loving mother of Michael and Kevin Enad, Judy Abdel-Jawad, Eileen Quag liano, Barbara Swartz, Margaret Kap atos and Rozalie Ciardella. Cherished grandmother of nineteen grandchildren and fond sister of Margaret and Dorothy Orzechowski and Frank and Robert Orzech owski. Funeral from the Hanley Funeral Home, 60 New Dorp Lane, Wednesday 10 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial St. Rita's Church 11 A.M. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Friends will be received Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Hanley Funeral Home, Inc Family Owned and Operated www.SiLive.com/obitsi Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/21/2005 - 11/22/2005. Fama, Angelo Angelo Fama of Mariners Harbor on November 20, 2005. Beloved husband of the late Maria Concetta Fama (nee Condomitti). Loving father of John Fama, Palma Denino, Nancy Fama Clark, and Marie Delizia. Dear brother of the late Immacolata Girolama Deraco, Joseph, Arturo, Agostino and Baldassaro Fama. Also survived by nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Funeral from Casey Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Ave, Castleton Corners, on Wednesday. Mass of Christian Burial St. Michael's Church 9:30 A.M. Entombment Moravian Cemetery. Friends will be received Monday and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions to NYU Cancer Institute, Breast Cancer Research Fund, Attn: Dr Volm, 160 East 34th St, NY, NY 10016 would be greatly appreciated. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/21/2005 - 11/22/2005. Fosket, George Francis George Francis Fosket of Oakwood on November 20, 2005. Beloved husband of Violet. Loving father of David, Timothy, Dr. Claudia Fosket, Geralyn Vanacore and Pamela Carbone. Dearest brother of Robert, Margaret May, Rita Lescher, Mary Hennessy and Theresa Fosket. Cherished grandfather of six grand children. Funeral from JOHN VINCENT SCALIA HOME FOR FUNERALS, 28 ELTINGVILLE BLVD. (AT ELTINGVILLE STATION), Wednesday 8:15 A.M. Funeral Mass at St. Charles Church 9:15 A.M. Final resting will be a private cremation. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday 2-5 and 7-10 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/21/2005 - 11/22/2005. Matusewicz, John MATUSEWICZ Members, Honor Guard, Ladies Auxiilary and Sons of the American Legion of H&S Cichon Post #1578 American Legion will meet at the Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Blvd at 8 p.m. to pay our last respects and farewell to our departed comrade, John Matusewicz. Respectfully submitted, Frank Speranza, Commander Published in the Staten Island Advance on 11/22/2005. Matusewicz, John F. John F. Matusewicz of West Brighton on November 20, 2005. Beloved husband of June (nee Keller). Loving father of Allison Salvadeo, Melissa Romano, and Christine Carelli. Dear brother of Jeanette Wisinski, Pauline Choban and Sophie Higham. Cherished grandfather of Alicia, Lexi, Dani, Lauren, Joseph, John, Missy, Charlie, June-Aine, Anthony, Olivia and the late Andrew. Funeral from MATTHEW FUNERAL HOME INC., 2508 VICTORY BLVD. AT WILLOWBROOK RD., on Wednesday 9 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial Blessed Sacrament Church 9:45 A.M. Interment St. Peter's Cemetery. Friends may call Monday and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/21/2005 - 11/22/2005. Seabrooks, Priest A. Priest A. Seabrooks of Mariners Harbor on November 13, 2005. Beloved husband of Renee (nee Chandler). Dear father of Cassidy Hoyt, Jeffrey, Sharell, Shanae and Ashley Chandler. Fond brother of Willie, Jeffrey, Andrew, Claudia and Lisa Seabrooks. Also survived by six grandchildren. Funeral from Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, 1289 Forest Ave., P.R., on Wednesday at 10:30 A.M. Interment Silver Mount Cemetery. Friends will be received Monday 7-9 P.M., Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the family would be appreciated. Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home Family Owned www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/19/2005 - 11/22/2005. Seiling, Vernon G. Vernon G. Seiling of Emerson Hill on November 21, 2005. Beloved husband of the late Josephine Seiling (nee Immiti). Loving father of Valerie Seiling Jacobs and Jeralyn Seiling. Adored brother of Joan Pfaff. Aslo survived by five grandchildren and two step-grand children. Funeral service Casey Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Ave, Castleton Corners, Saturday 10:30 A.M. Private interment to follow. Friends will be received Friday 3-6 P.M. www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/22/2005 - 11/25/2005. Sinski, Rose L. Rose L. Sinski of New Brighton on November 20, 2005. Beloved sister of Joseph Sinski. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral from Harmon Home for Funerals, 571 Forest Ave, West Brighton, Saturday 8:45 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial St. Peter's Church 9:30 AM. Interment St. Peter's Cemetery. Friends will be received Friday 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 11/21/2005 - 11/25/2005. Tortorella, Anna "Nina" (Bosamonte) TORTORELLA Anna "Nina" (nee Bosamonte). Devoted wife of Salvatore. Beloved mother of Debbie, Michele Gallo and Annie. Loving grandmother. Dear sister of Annette Ferraioli, the late Neil and Gennaro. Mass St. Francis Xavier 10:30 Friday. IN REPOSE RACCUGLIA & SON 321-323 Court Street 718-855-7737 www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance on 11/22/2005. Walsh, Richard M. Richard M. Walsh of Huguenot on November 19, 2005. Beloved husband of Joan. Loving father of Mark Walsh and Lisa Deluzio. Dear brother of Robert Walsh. Also survived by four grandchildren. Funeral from Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, 7447 Amboy Road, on Wednesday, November 23, at 10 A.M. Cremation to follow at Rosehill Crematory. Friends may visit Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions to University Hospice would be appreciated. Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Family Owned & Operated since 1841 www.SiLive.com/obits Published in the Staten Island Advance from 11/21/2005 - 11/22/2005. THOMAS RAIA, 78 Owned store in Concord Tuesday, November 22, 2005 Native Staten Islander Thomas (Tom) Raia, 78, of Henderson, Nev., a retired general store owner and warranty manager, died Sunday in the Desert Springs Hospital, Las Vegas, following a long battle with cancer. Born the youngest of six children in Dongan Hills, Mr. Raia was reared in the house on Burgher Avenue that was built by his father in the 1920s. He graduated from New Dorp High School in 1944 and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. During World War II, he served as a corporal in Germany, working as an airplane mechanic. After Mr. Raia married the former Rosaria (Sadie) Spadafora in 1948, the couple moved to Concord. Mr. Raia opened the former Raia's General Store in Concord, where the neighborhood children who frequented the store fondly referred to him as "Uncle Tom." After owning the store for 15 years, Mr. Raia sold it in 1982, when he retired. A year later, he moved to Spring Hill, Fla., where he worked as a warranty manager at Freedom Ford. Mr. Raia worked there until moving to Henderson two years ago. On the Island, Mr. Raia was a parishioner of St. Sylvester's R.C. Church, Concord, where he was also a member of the Men's Club. He helped plan many fund-raisers for the church. An avid kegler, Mr. Raia bowled in numerous Island leagues. He enjoyed working the New York Times Crossword Puzzle and made sure to receive it wherever he moved. He was also interested in classic cars and enjoyed spending time with his two grandsons, Dennis and Kenneth Costantino. According to his family, he took special classes at a local high school to learn how to use a computer and the Internet and was the first person in the family to surf the Web -- one of his favorite hobbies. He was a parishioner of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini R.C. Church, Spring Hill, and of St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, Henderson. In addition to his wife, Rosaria, and his two grandsons, Mr. Raia is survived by his son, Thomas Jr., and his daughter, Linda Raia-Afourkeeff. A service will be held Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Palm Mortuary, Henderson. Burial will be Monday at noon in the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City. SISTER MARY ZIGLIO, 87 Managed book store Tuesday, November 22, 2005 Born Esperanza Ziglio in Barra Bonita, Brazil, she was the seventh of 12 children belonging to Adamo and Luiza Ziglio, who had immigrated to Brazil in search of a place to rear their children. Sister Mary Aparecida entered the Daughters of St. Paul in 1936 and first professed her vows in 1942 in Sao Paolo. Described as a determined young woman, she and two of her sisters, who also were nuns with the Daughters of St. Paul, took part in establishing the order in Brazil. Sister Mary was then asked by the co-foundress of the Daughters of St. Paul, Mother Thecla Merlo, to go to America. She arrived in St. George as a missionary on Nov. 21, 1950. Sister Mary then spent many years in San Diego, Calif.; Bridgeport, Conn.; San Antonio, Texas, and San Francisco, Calif., helping begin the mission of the order. She also served as a local superior numerous times. Sister Mary returned to the St. George convent in 1987, where she was manager of the St. Paul Book and Media Center, the order's bookstore. According to members of her convent, Sister Mary felt her time in New York City was the best of her life. Throughout this time, she carried out her work in the book center with love and dedication, applying herself in ways that caused the younger sisters to admire her youthfulness and spirit of apostolic service. Well into her 80s, Sister Mary knew many computer applications and kept up with technology so she could help patrons who visited the St. George center. Sister Mary went to live in the sisters' motherhouse in Boston more than a year ago. She is survived by her two sisters, Sister Angela and Sister Felicidade Ziglio, and numerous other relatives in Brazil. The funeral will be tomorrow from the Carroll-Thomas Funeral Home, Hyde Park, Mass., with a mass at 10:30 a.m. in the Daughters of St. Paul convent, Boston. Entombment will follow in the convent's mausoleum, also Boston. A mass in remembrance of her will be held on Dec. 4 at 9:30 a.m. in the order's St. George convent. RUTH ENAD, 80 Nurse raised seven children, enjoyed sketching Tuesday, November 22, 2005 Ruth T. Enad, a Prince's Bay resident who devoted her life to her 19 grandchildren, died Sunday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze. The Pennsylvania native was 80 years old. Born Ruth Orzechowski in 1924 in Plains, Pa., she developed an interest in becoming a nurse. After graduating from Plains Memorial High School in 1942, she enrolled in Fordham School of Nursing, from which she graduated in 1948, said her son, Kevin Enad. Six years later, she married Dr. Jesus Enad, whom she met while working at Cumberland Hospital in Brooklyn. The couple moved to the doctor's native Philippines, where Mrs. Enad reared seven children. In 1982, the family moved to New Springville. Mrs. Enad, who moved to Prince's Bay 1993, three years after her husband's death, enjoyed sketching, reading, and spending time with her family, said her son. "She didn't like the limelight too much. She was happy being home and raising her kids," he said. "She had a great love for the family, especially her grandchildren." In addition to her son, Kevin, Mrs. Enad is survived by her son, Michael; daughters Judy Abdel-Jawad, Eileen Quagliano, Barbara Swartz, Margaret Kapatos and Rozalie Ciardella; brothers Frank and Robert Orzechowski, and sisters Dorothy and Margaret Orzechowski. The funeral will be tomorrow from the Hanley Funeral Home, New Dorp with a mass at 11 a.m. in St. Rita's R.C. Church, Meiers Corners. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains. ROSE RYAN, 90 Mother dedicated to children, her husband Tuesday, November 22, 2005 Rose M. Ryan, 90, of Jackson, N.J., a long-time Staten Islander and mother of three, died Sunday in CentraState Medical Center, Freehold, N.J. Born Rose M. Cartisser in Bayonne, N.J., she was brought to Willowbrook when she was 9 years old. She relocated to West Caldwell, N.J., nine years ago, and settled in Jackson two years ago. A homemaker, Mrs. Ryan prided herself on rearing her children, and serving as the constant companion and number-one fan of her husband of 69 years, Edward J. She enjoyed cheering him on at his ballgames and bowling matches. While her children were young, she was a member of the mothers' clubs at their schools. Mrs. Ryan was a 1933 graduate of Port Richmond High School. While living on Staten Island, she was a parishioner at Holy Family R.C. Church, Willowbrook, and later at St. Aloysius R.C. Church, Jackson. In addition to her husband, Edward J., surviving are her son, Edward J. Jr.; two daughters, Corinne Damitz and Patricia Burns; nine grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be tomorrow from the George S. Hassler Funeral Home, Jackson, with a mass at 9:15 a.m. in St. Aloysius Church. Arrangements include cremation. RICHARD SMITH, 72 Iron worker, security supervisor coached football Tuesday, November 22, 2005 Richard W. Smith, 72, of Graniteville, a former iron worker and retired security supervisor, died Sunday at home. Born in Harlem, Mr. Smith was reared and educated in Jamaica, in the West Indies. He returned to the U.S. at age 19 and lived with his family in the Bronx. He settled in Graniteville in 1972. Mr. Smith was an iron worker for 18 years before becoming a security supervisor. He retired in 1990. Mr. Smith had a passion for football and coached in the Staten Island Boys' Football League from 1973 until 1979. He tried always to be a role model for the boys in the league, according to family. He also loved watching football on television, often rooting for his all-time favorite team, the New York Jets. Mr. Smith was extremely talkative and outgoing, known by his friends and family for having the "gift of gab." "Richard would talk to a lamppost," said his wife of 48 years, the former Ruth Carter. He was a parishioner of New Hope Baptist Church, Newark, where he sang in the choir. In addition to his wife, Ruth, Mr. Smith is survived by his two sons, Kevin and Warren, and five grandchildren. The Stradford Funeral Home, Tompkinsville, is handling arrangements for a private cremation. A memorial will be arranged at a later date. Recently celebrated 50 years of living his American dream Barrel maker played semi-pro soccer Tuesday, November 22, 2005 Longtime Mariners Harbor resident Angelo Fama, 87, a retired cooper who survived five years as a prisoner of war in the Italian Army before coming to Staten Island, died Sunday in the Golden Gate Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Meiers Corners, following surgery and a subsequent stroke. Mr. Fama was born in Cittanova Reggio Calabria, Italy, where he learned the trades that served him well in America. Before his arrival in Mariners Harbor, Mr. Fama played semi-pro soccer in Italy, worked there as a barber and carpenter, and spent eight years as an Italian soldier. Mr. Fama became a soldier in 1939 and was captured by the English in Libya around 1941. During his time as a POW, he was held in Egypt and India, where he contracted malaria. Always a lover of opera music, Mr. Fama often performed for his captors, and also worked as a carpenter, barber and cook for the English and his fellow POWs. An elaborate escape was planned but failed when an English commander changed the port of departure at the last minute, according to family lore. By the time he was freed in 1946, Mr. Fama said he spent "five years, seven months and 18 days" as a POW. Following his release, he married the former Maria Concetta Condomitti. The couple grew up in the same neighborhood, and as a boy, he was known for riding his bike around town and singing. Her home was a favorite destination. "They were promised to each other," said their daughter, Nancy Fama-Clark. They came to Mariners Harbor on June 13, 1955, under the sponsorship of Mr. Fama's older brother, Joseph, whom he hadn't seen since he was a toddler. Over the summer, the family celebrated 50 years since their arrival in America at a party on the farm of Mr. Fama's son in Kutztown, Pa. "It was his dream to come to America," said Mrs. Fama-Clark. "He wanted to make a better life for his family and he wanted to be with his brother." His brother secured him a job and Mr. Fama began a 25-year career at Wachenberg Pickle Works in Bayonne. He worked as a cooper (a barrel maker) and later became foreman, retiring in 1977. But Mr. Fama retired only from the working life, keeping active otherwise, his family said. Blessed with a green thumb, Mr. Fama cultivated a garden lush with flowers and vegetables, including tomatoes, eggplant and zucchini, along with three fig trees and a peach tree. "We ate from the garden always," Mrs. Fama-Clark said. In addition to sharing the fruits of his labor with his neighbors, he was always available to give advice on gardening -- and just about everything else. "He always had time for everyone, and everyone would always leave with a package, either a bag of tomatoes or something he jarred," said his daughter, Palma Denino. Much of the things he learned as a young man in Italy stayed with him throughout his life. It was said Mr. Fama could build anything from scratch. He put in a bathroom and kitchen at home, did concrete work outside and took on woodworking projects. "If anybody needed help in the neighborhood, they came to him," Mrs. Fama-Clark said. He also continued his love of bike riding and was often seen balancing lumber for his projects as he rode around. "He never drove a car," Mrs. Fama-Clark said. "[The bike] was his means." He also enjoyed wrestling. An active parishioner of St. Clement/St. Michael R.C. Parish in Mariners Harbor for 50 years, Mr. Fama always dressed impeccably for church, where he was a member of the Holy Name Society. Described as a family man, Mr. Fama kept in regular contact with relatives still living in Italy and France. The last of six, his family said, "he was the last of the best." He also loved spending time with his nieces and nephews, who called him "Zio," which means uncle in Italian. "He was the patriarch of our family," Mrs. Fama-Clark said. "He was a true gentleman in all senses of the word. He had a tremendous will to live. We called him our warrior." Mr. Fama's wife, Maria Concetta, died in September after 58 years of marriage. In addition to his daughters, Nancy and Palma, surviving are his son, John; his daughter, Marie Delizia; nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. The funeral will be tomorrow from the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, with a mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Michael's Church, Mariners Harbor. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp. EDWARD BORDENKA, 89 Salesman for trucking companies Tuesday, November 22, 2005 Lifelong Staten Islander Edward Bordenka, 89, of Grasmere, a retired salesman for trucking companies, died Sunday at home. Born in Stapleton, Mr. Bordenka stayed in that neighborhood for about 20 years, graduating from Curtis High School, St. George. He moved to several communities on the Island before settling in Grasmere in the 1970s. For many decades, Mr. Bordenka worked as a salesman for a number of trucking companies, often working in waterfront container yards in New Jersey. Most recently, he worked for Cooper-Jarrett, until his retirement in the early 1980s. In his leisure, he delighted in tending his rose garden. Mr. Bordenka attended St. Christopher's R.C. Church, Grant City. Surviving are a daughter, Maureen Krudner, and two grandsons. The funeral will be tomorrow from the Colonial Funeral Home, New Dorp, with a mass at 10 a.m. at St. Christopher's Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Grasmere. EDNA BROWN, 83 Insurance clerk Tuesday, November 22, 2005 Edna Brown, 83, of Union, N.J., a former Staten Island resident, homemaker and retired insurance clerk, died Sunday in Union (N.J.) Hospital. Born Edna Kibat in Port Richmond, Mrs. Brown moved to West Brighton in the 1950s. She returned to Port Richmond in 1956 before settling in Union in 1994. A graduate of Port Richmond High School, Mrs. Brown worked for 18 years as an insurance clerk for the former Insurance Company of America, Manhattan, retiring in 1956. A homemaker, Mrs. Brown was an avid reader who also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Port Richmond. Her husband of 24 years, Edward, died in 1980. She was a loving mother and grandmother, said her daughter, Patricia Steitz. Along with her daughter, also surviving are a son, Bruce Brown; another daughter, Carol Brown, and five grandchildren. A memorial service was held yesterday at 2 p.m. at the Galante Funeral Home, Union. Arrangements included cremation. ANTONINA GATTUSO, 92 Seamstress best known for baking cookies Tuesday, November 22, 2005 Antonina (Anna) Gattuso, 92, a longtime Staten Islander and retired seamstress who was renowned for her cookies, died Saturday at her home in South Beach. The former Antonina Coniglio was born in Manhattan, where she grew up alongside seven siblings. She moved to South Beach in 1955. The seamstress and garment finisher met her future husband, Alphonse, while working in a Manhattan company, where he was a presser. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the former Surf Club, South Beach, during the 1980s. The Gattusos retired to Inverness, Fla., in 1974. When her husband died in 1993, Mrs. Gattuso returned to South Beach. A longtime member of the Arrochar Friendship Club, Mrs. Gattuso liked to play cards and took occasional trips with the group. She enjoyed cooking dishes for large family meals, but was best known for the cookies she baked and would give away by the pound, which included pizzelles and seeded cookies. She passed her baking tricks along to her great nephew, Steven Guarnieri, who often cooked by her side. Mrs. Gattuso also enjoyed sewing and crocheting at home. She made doilies, sweaters, curtains and clothing, and also made alterations for her family. "She was family-oriented and would help people in any way that she could," said her great-grandnephew, Michael Guarnieri. She was a parishioner of Holy Rosary R.C. Church, South Beach. Mrs. Gattuso's daughter, Ann Marie Gattuso, died in 1961. Surviving are many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews. The funeral was to be today from the A. Azzara Funeral Home, with a mass at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, both in South Beach. Burial was to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Grasmere.