Anna Racioppo

Anna Lydia Valdes Racioppo of Staten Island, New York, who was a wonderful wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to so many people, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, March 10, 2024. She was 93 years old.

Anna was the daughter of Rafael Valdes and Carmen Iglesias. She was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, and came to New York City as a young woman. There she met her beloved husband and soulmate, Mike Racioppo, and they built a beautiful life together with their two sons, Robert Racioppo and Michael Racioppo.

All who knew Anna know that she lived to laugh and smile. She was constantly ready to break out into dance, and always brought a party with her wherever she went. She was an incredibly strong woman who never backed down from doing what she believed was right. Anna had a warmth and generous spirit, and made you feel loved and valued within minutes of meeting her. She was fiercely loyal to those she loved and adored her family. She truly lived life to its fullest-embracing the concept "glass half-full" every day.

Anna’s home was always open to family and guests including a variety of Mike’s police department colleagues and later, his running friends. Her table was a source of fascinating conversations, and debates about politics and NYC bureaucracy to name a few. Anna was ready at any time to cook up a pot of arroz con pollo or pork and rice to feed whoever popped by.

Anna crocheted beautifully, loved a good telenovela, enjoyed going on long walks through Clove Lakes Park, loved to dance, relished bus trips to Atlantic City with her friends, and always had a cup of coffee ready for anyone who wanted to stop by to say hello. Hers was a life well-lived, since she touched so many lives with her heartfelt kindness, her warmth and her vivacious spirit.

Anna is survived by her son Robert Racioppo and daughter-in-law Mei Wu, her son Michael Racioppo and her daughter-in-law Jo Ellen Racioppo, her grandchildren Eric Racioppo and Emma Fanelli and grandson-in-law Paul Fanelli , and her great-grandchildren Welles and Lily Fanelli.

Anna’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 12 at 9:30am at Harmon Funeral Home. Her burial will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery following a short service. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to the Red Cross in Anna’s name.