Catherine Campea

Catherine "Cathy" "Kay" Campea, a longtime resident of Verplanck, New York, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July 9, 2026, after a courageous fifteen-year battle with Alzheimer's disease, a journey that brought many health challenges. She was 88 years old.

Born on February 4, 1938, in Corsica, France, to Italian parents, the late Salvatore and Livia Serafino, Cathy was one of the first members of her family to immigrate to the United States as a child, beginning a new chapter that would ultimately shape generations to come.

As a young woman, Cathy worked as a seamstress in a garment factory, helping to create women's clothing. On January 17, 1960, she married Antonio Campea, the love of her life. Together they shared a devoted marriage spanning sixty-four years until Antonio's passing in September 2024.

Many in the Verplanck community will fondly remember Cathy as one of the warm and welcoming faces behind Angela's Deli. Cathy joined her sister, Angela, at the family business. For more than sixty years, she proudly helped operate the deli, serving generations of customers with dedication, kindness, and exceptional food. Her treasured recipes and love of cooking will live on through her children and grandchildren.

Cathy was a remarkably strong and resilient woman—the toughest woman her family knew. She was an excellent cook who ran a tight ship at home and devoted herself wholeheartedly to caring for those she loved. She took great pride in helping care for her grandchildren Mark and Nicole when they were little. Cecilia and Luciano never knew anything different than a grandmother who could not communicate, yet they deeply loved their Nonni and cherished every moment of the time they shared living together.

Family meant everything to Cathy. She cherished traveling with those she loved, creating lasting memories during trips to Brazil, the Bahamas, Italy, Florida, Sherwood Island in Connecticut, and the Jersey Shore.

She is survived by her loving children, Bruno Campea and his wife, Patricia, and Anthony Campea and his wife, Carrie Cooper. She was the cherished "Nonna" and "Nonni" to her beloved grandchildren, Nicole Riccio and her husband, Christopher, Cecilia and Luciano Campea, and a cherished great-grandmother to Nico and Livia Riccio. She is also survived by her sisters, Luciana DeFusco, Piera Graven (Charlie), and Linda Serafino, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to her beloved husband, Antonio Campea, Cathy was predeceased by her caring son, Mauro Campea; her beloved grandson, Mark Campea; her sisters, Angela Labate and Marisa Serafino; and her brothers, Vincent (John) Serafino and Pasquale Serafino.

The Campea family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Cathy's devoted longtime caregiver, Ana, whose meticulous, compassionate, and loving care brought comfort and dignity to Cathy throughout the years. Her kindness and unwavering dedication will never be forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Edward F. Carter Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at St. Patrick's Church in Verplanck, New York. Catherine will then be laid to rest at St. Patrick's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Catherine's memory to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org .

Catherine's strength, devotion to family, unwavering work ethic, and generous spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.