Theresa J. LaRocco

Cherished mother of Tricia, Paul (Mary) and Anthony (Toni Ann.) Beloved "nonna" to Madelynn, Emmarie, Ella and Evelyn. Supportive sister to Rose Barone and Mary Guzzardi. Wife of 46 years to Robert.

Theresa had an impoverished, tumultuous childhood before she, her mother, the late Lillian Barone, and her sisters were moved to Deer Park by their “guardian angels,” Aunt Millie and Uncle Tommy Messina. A graduate of Deer Park High, Theresa worked at her aunt's luncheonette and as an insurance company keyboard operator before having her children. The family settled in Mount Sinai, when it was still mostly farmland. Theresa, who also cared for her mother and Rose, later worked for more than 20 years as a merchandiser at Sears in Lake Grove before retiring to spoil her grandkids. Even prior to falling ill, she endured many hardships, yet unfailingly made everyone else a priority. Her family will forever be in awe of her quiet strength — and think of her whenever they see a ladybug.

Viewing is Friday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes, 1001 Route 25A, Miller Place. A chapel service will be held there at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3442 Route 112, Coram.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Theresa's name to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.obdavismillerplace.com for the LaRocco family.