Jennie LaRocca

A lifelong Staten Islander, Jennie (Jean) LaRocca, age 101, born on June 24, 1924, died on August 3, 2025. Her parents were Christine (Dente) Zullo and Guiseppe (Joseph) Zullo. Her husband, Louis LaRocca, passed away in 1986. She had one sister, Catherine (Zullo) Mucciariello, who passed away in 2013.

She is survived by her son, Anthony and daughter-in-law, Debra, grandchildren, Steven and Emily LaRocca, Paul LaRocca, Catherine and Michael Cristiano, great-grand-children, Miles, Quinn and Rose LaRocca, as well as, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Jennie went to grade school at PS 17 and high school at Curtis High School in New Brighton. She then attended secretary school and worked in a travel agency in Manhattan and the Hallorin General Hospital in Staten Island that served soldiers coming home from WW2. Sometimes they transferred her to the Brooklyn Navy Yard via tug boat. She married Lou on April 29, 1945, while he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. She moved in with her in-laws in South Beach and later moved back to New Brighton to become a homemaker and raise her son. About 15 years ago, she moved in with her son and spent many happy moments enjoying her extended family and her grand and great-grandchildren.

Jean was a fixture in many people’s lives. Her daughter-in-law said, “Jean was the kindest, sweetest, most generous person I ever knew. Jean lived with us, but was still taking care of us. Always offering a word of encouragement, congratulations and heartfelt gratitude. She lovingly devoted her daily mass and rosary to anyone needing extra prayers.

At 101, she was still slipping a few dollars into young family member’s hands. She was so much fun to be with. Even when she was over 100, she attended any and all outings to museums, parties and restaurant dinners. Although she will no longer be with us, the love she so freely gave and the memories with and of her, will be in our hearts forever.”

She was a ferocious reader and word search enthusiast. In her younger years, she used to jet down to Atlantic City with her sister, Kay and brother-in-law, Tony. She loved to vacation at Jersey shore beaches. As a testament to how many people loved her, over 160 people attended her 100th birthday celebration and the guest list only covered family and close friends.

Visitation will be held at Casey Funeral Home, located at 350 Slosson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, on August 6, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and again from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 1091 Forest Ave, New York, NY 10310, on August 7, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

The committal service will be held at St. Peters Cemetery, 52 Tyler Ave, New York, NY 10310, on August 7, 2025, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.