Carol Donnelly

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Carol Donnelly on July 3rd after a sudden illness at the age of 72. Carol was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as a dedicated educator and administrator.

Carol was born on November 11,1952 to Anna and Pasquale Serrone in St. John’s Hospital, Brooklyn.

Carol took special pride as a Sheepshead Bay born and bred girl and her Brooklyn education in elementary and high school---and her Brooklyn College study in preparation for her first teaching position at Bishop Loughlin High School.

When she married her husband George, she gave up her yellow Cougar with white bucket seats for a red Toyota Corona and soon started her family. After the birth of her daughters Catherine and Anna, she stayed at home for many years. Thereafter, she resumed her teaching career at St. Mark School teaching across all academic, preparing her service starting in 2002 as school principal.

As principal, she led the school resurgence: new academic programs, increased outreach and after school services, an active parent association, multiple capital improvements, and ever-increasing enrollment. Her efforts fortified the school’s mission and fiscal well-being to this day, six years after her retirement.

Yet perhaps the word “hospitality” emblazoned across her apron may best describe one of her legacies as cook, entertainer, and hostess. Gathering family and friends around her Grant City table at Christmas and Easter---and also each Octoberfest, New Year’s, Superbowl, and St. Patrick’s Day [especially memorable with her record-setting corned beef] was ever a special occasion.

Carol, with her husband George, took special delight in the family and extended family summers in Cape Cod and in recent years the Jersey Shore extended weekend stays in Long Island Wine Country and many cruises to the Caribbean islands.

Comforting Carol in her final days and hours were her husband, George, daughters Catherine and her husband Peter and Anna and her wife Chelsea, her cherished grandchildren Emma, Peter, Kate, Gregory, and Leyla and her dear brother Michael Serrone [Barbara] and family. Especially supportive these same days were Carol’s extended Gaeta, Mclaughlin and Donnelly families.

Visitation will be held at Cusimano & Russo Funeral Home, located at 2005 West 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223. The visitation times are scheduled as follows: on July 5, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and on July 6, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Mark Roman Catholic Church, 2609 E 19th St, Brooklyn, NY 11235, on July 7, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.

Entombment will follow at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Rd, Staten Island, NY 10306, on July 7, 2025, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, Carol wished for gifts in her name and memory to the Saint Mark Education Fund, 2602 East 19th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11235 or The Addeo Hospice Residence, 78 Meisner Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10306.