Theresa Alessi-Hermansen

Theresa Alessi-Hermansen, born on August 29, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and was surrounded by her family. She was 86 years old.

The daughter of Sophie and Adam Polanish, Theresa grew up in Brooklyn alongside her brother, Richard Polanish. She married her late husband, Salvatore Alessi, in 1958, and together they built a life filled with love, raising five children over the course of their 23-year marriage, in addition to also fostering 4 children. After Salvatore’s passing, Theresa spent 15 years raising her children, as a single mother, put all five children through college, and held down a full time job. She found a second chance at companionship when she married Eugene Hermansen. Their marriage, which would have celebrated 30 years in March, was one of mutual love and devotion.

Theresa was a proud mother to Richard, Mark, Robert, Jeanmarie, and Leslie. She was also a beloved grandmother to nine grandchildren: Nicholas, Stephanie, Amanda, Mark, Timothy, Samantha, Jaimie, Renee, and Samuel. In recent years, she was blessed with three great-grandchildren: Zackery, Alessia, and Avery, who brought her great joy.

Theresa’s life was marked by her unwavering faith and deep commitment to her family. A devout Catholic, she was a steadfast presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren, instilling in them the values and morals that defined her. She loved to travel, cook, and bake, and was particularly known for her delicious home-cooked meals and cakes that her grandchildren fondly recall, and each having their own favorite. For many years, she worked outside the home, owning a ceramic store with a friend, managing a Hallmark store, and even cooking for the local parish priest. However, her first and foremost role was as a devoted homemaker, always taking care of her family with an abundance of love and care.

Theresa was also a community member at heart, actively participating in groups like Deborah, the Red Hat Ladies, and various Mother’s Clubs. She made a lasting impact on all who knew her, offering kindness, encouragement, and a sense of warmth wherever she went.

Theresa is survived by her loving husband, Eugene Hermansen; her children, Richard (Sharon), Mark (Carolyn), Jeanmarie (Michael), and Leslie (Mark); her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law Loretta Polanish and nieces and nephews; as well as extended family and friends. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, wife and friend—a woman whose love and faith were at the center of everything she did.

A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held at St. Clare, followed by interment at Moravian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Addeo House at 78 Meisner Ave, Staten Island, New York.

May she rest in peace, and may her memory live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Visitation will be held at Casey-McCallum Rice Funeral Home, located at 30 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308, on January 13, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and again from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at St. Clare Roman Catholic Church, St. Clare's Church, Staten Island, NY 10308, on January 14, 2025, at 9:30 am.

The committal service is scheduled for January 14, 2025, at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Rd, Staten Island, NY 10306, at 11:00 am.