Astrid Marie Bucca

With heavy hearts and a lifetime of cherished memories, we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Astrid Bucca, who departed this life on April 11, 2026, at the age of 98. Fittingly born in the Roaring 20’s on October 14, 1927, Astrid was a woman of remarkable strength, wit, and devotion, serving as the cornerstone of our family for generations. As a true member of the Greatest Generation, she demonstrated her trademark patriotism during World War II by serving as an Air Raid Warden, vigilantly watching the skies to protect her community. This early service sparked a lifelong pride in our troops and first responders, and inspired all 3 of her sons to serve. In May of 1949, she married the love of her life, Joseph Bucca, with whom she is now eternally united.

Throughout her nearly 100 years, she was a quiet witness to the monumental shifts of the 20th and 21st centuries. Grounded always in her Lutheran faith, she lived through the resilience of the Great Depression, the triumph of the Moon Landing, and the dawn of the Digital Age. She transitioned gracefully from the era of radio broadcasts to a world of instant connection, never losing the values of her heritage and constant contact with family.

Beyond her historical legacy, she was known for her vibrant personality and simple joys. An avid bowler, she spent many happy afternoons at the lanes in Jackson Heights, where her competitive spirit was always tempered by her quick laugh. She was also a lifelong fan of Betty Boop, finding joy in the character’s spunky charm—a trait she certainly shared. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, her greatest passion was her family, to whom she passed down her cherished Swedish heritage and a legacy of love. She was the "Boop-Oop-a-Doop" in our lives, bringing a sense of fun and feistiness to every holiday and family gathering. She is survived by a large and loving family who will carry her stories forward; while the world has lost a piece of its history, we have lost our brightest light.

Astrid joins her husband Joseph, son Ronald, sister Alice, and brothers Carl, Emil, Albert, and Peter in eternal rest. She is survived by her brother, Eddie; sons, Alfred and Robert; daughter-in-law, Eve; and grandchildren, Joey, Jessica, and Ronald. Great-grandchildren Angelina, Theresa, Joseph, Isabel, Emily, and Lianna, Great-Grandchild Laramie, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.