Eileen Rogers
7/31/25
It is good, although sad, to receive this message on the occasion of Maria’s passing four years ago. 
When we were kids in the Bronx, we all called her Maria, and some of us still do. After she died I wrote a poem about her. A few of the lines are as follows:
“Everyone knows that there is no love like the first love. I did not know that there is no best friend like the first one.” Maria and I were best friends from second grade through high school graduation. People used to say that they never saw one of us without the other. I miss you dearly, Maria, and always will. You are my BFF,
Best friend forever.

My condolences to the family.  I grew up across the street and 5 houses away from Maria, her Mom, Rita, and Grandma.   
  We had a lot of fun!

  Bill Garvin
  Fairport, NY

Sorry to hear of Marias' passing. Grew up on Hermany Ave.  Maria lived across street from the Rogers family. My family lived at the top of the hill. We would get together after school every day. So much fun. Rita worked  for a company that had to do with automobile s. She would give us free tickets to the annual auto show.   Sorry to hear of her passing.   Be Well. Bill Garvin. 


Such a bittersweet message to receive on this the first anniversary of Maria’s passing. Thanks to Rich, Richie and Chrissy, and anyone else who helped put this beautiful memorial together. 
What a wonderful collection of photos! They were full of that unique smile that she had - sometimes sweet and sometimes rather goofy!
Maria and I were best friends from second grade all the way through high school. After that, we maintained quite a few connections with each other. 
As young girls, Maria and I were a force to be reckoned with! Just ask the other girls who lived on Hermany Avenue at the time. 
I look at a picture of Maria every day. Whenever I see a photo of two young girls, walking and holding hands together, my heart hurts for a moment as I remember the two of us, best friends. 
Maria, I want you to know that there has never been a best friend like you. I will remember and miss you forever. 
Eileen

Not a day goes by when Maria is not a thought in my mind. 

I want to start by saying how sorry I feel for Marie's family . Love you Chrissy 😘 I am Alexys and I did Miss Marie's hair. She was a bright light in this dim time we have upon us. I will miss her smile, her laugh, and most of all her kindness. I hope we meet again my friend.  Prayers for  all those suffering. 

Maria and I were best friends from second grade to graduation from high school. People used to say that, if they saw one of us, they knew the other one was coming along. We did everything together. In later years Maria married my brother Franny and so now we really were family. We had felt like family for a long time before that. In recent years we did not see each other very often, but we had a lovely phone and text relationship. She texted me to tell me about Rich’s covid diagnosis, and the beginning of her not feeling well. A few years before, at her mom’s funeral, we hugged and Maria whispered “best friend” in my ear. All those years later, she had
not forgotten, and I never will. May she Rest In Peace, always and forever. 

Rich, Richie, and Chrissy,
I met Marie at Jackson Heights Middle School. We volunteered together with the PTSA. She was so involved- I could always depend upon her! My husband used to tease her because she never lost her NY accent. He would say: “You must be from Alabama!” 
Marie always put her family first. She was so proud of her children and all of their accomplishments. And now, take comfort in knowing she is your guardian angel watching over you from heaven. 
Take care and peace be with you,
Julie McLean

To The Masillo Family,

I am saddened and shocked to hear of the loss of Marie. I’ve known her and your family from Bank of America. Your family will be in my prayers.

Dear Rich, Richie & Chrissy,

I am so sorry for your loss.  Your mother was an amazing and beautiful woman, full of life and love.  She loved you all dearly and was so proud of you.  Hold on to the memories.  She is star ⭐️ in the sky and she walks besides you now.  She will always be you.  I wish was able to be with you at the services.  My thoughts and prayers are with. 

Diane Matta and family (Jim, Lauren & Michael) 💖

Dearest Marie, I've just been looking through some of the pictures your family shared. You and Rich made a beautiful family and such beautiful memories. God bless you all! We met so long ago and yet it seems like yesterday. May you rest in peace and be the angel that watches over Rich, Richie and Chrissy! Remember the good times , hold the memories and Marie will always be with us all. Much love, Elly, Lilli and RJ 

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Marie, was loved by all knew her.  She will be missed big time. Rest is Peace. XXXXOOOO

Marie was a JOY to be with!  Her smile lit up the room, and she was always ready with a hug and encouraging words to all.

She was so welcoming to me as a new parent to Partin Elementary!  Marie helped me to navigate the world of PTA, and school volunteerism.  We spent many years laughing and working together,  while our children were guided by Mr. Seibert and all the wonderful teachers at Partin.

My family and I offer our deepest condolences to Rich, Richie and Chrissy, and the rest of Marie's family.  Your loss is great, as it is for everyone who had the honor of being a friend to Marie.  


Rich, Richie and Chrissy, 

     Our hearts break for your loss.  Marie was such a bright, cheery and warm presence, and such a gift in this world.  Such a brightness is a loss to all of us that have had the fortunate blessing to be in her presence, and saying she will be sorely missed is an understatement.  Her infectious joy will make Heaven even more wonderful.  Know that we have all of you, and her beautiful soul, in our hearts and prayers. 
Love, 
The Crum Family-
Dwayne, Michelle, Desirée and Kian

My greatest memory of Marie will forever be her laugh.   I have known Marie since our children were in elementary.  Marie and I didn’t have the friendship where we did lunch.  We would piss people off while we stood in the aisles of Publix talking and fill each other in on gossip.   We messaged each other on FB for our love and support of Trump.  We would text and congratulate each other on our children’s accomplishments.    Marie was so proud of Richie and Chrissy and of course her loving husband.   
I will miss our talks my friend.   I will miss your smile and especially that laugh.  
Thank you Marie for being my friend. ❤️💔

Our inner Italian would come out when we got together. Always laughing . Marie loved her kids more then life it's self. Adored "Big Rich"  to the moon and back. 

Marie is your angel above and will guide you more from the heavens above then you could imagine
 
We all hold the love the memories close to our hearts. Chrissy and Richie you are amazing children . Stay strong for each other especially your dad.

We will always remember Marie's kindness, laughter, and the joy and love she brought to everything she did. She was a beautiful being, inside and out, and we were all lucky to have known her. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you all, and we wish you peace and loving, happy memories.  

Dear Rich, Richie, Chrissy,

My heart goes out to all of you.  I met Marie at Partin doing the crazy mom things we all did.  Her laugh, smile, energy was Huge. We watch our kids grow up together as our friendship did as well. I think we moms had more fun. I miss those days terrible. Your a beautiful Angel lighting up the sky! This is not good bye this is until we meet again for more laughs. ❤️❤️❤️

Dear Rich, Richie, and Chrissy
There are just no words.   I love Marie and she has filled so many people with her kindness and her unending love. 
Her love for the three of you is so beautiful.  We would have lunch and she would talk of each of you with so much pride and love.. her face would just shine! 
Rich she always refers to you as 
“my husband” not 
Rich .. but “my husband”  it is so sweet .. you guys are married over 30 years and she still talked like you got married last week💗 
Amazing woman.. amazing wife.. amazing mother.. amazing friend💗
My prayers and love are with you all💞
Ann Young

Rich and Mary,and family. We are so sorry for your loss, our prayers and thoughts are with you.  Uncle Tom and Aunt Rose

Marie and I first met when my brother was dating Richie's little sister Lauri... and not long after... Richie and Marie welcomed my brother into their home to propose to her with their blessing. As their own parents were no longer with us. From that moment on we were family. We have sent Christmas cards every year since and this past year in all its awfulness when she couldn't she sent me an email to apologize.  I will really miss those cards. She was warm and welcoming and definetly a well loved lady. I imagine the world will be a lot different without her in it. My heart goes out to you Rich, Richie and Chrissy. I'm so sorry for your loss. We are sending love, strength and empathy. 

When I think of my cousin, Marie, I can't help but think about her great smile and laughter, and all of her "craziness."  Although we lived so far apart for many, many years, speaking with her was always a blast filled with  laughter always had a great time on the phone.   The most meaningful thing she did was that she always told me she loved me and, that meant so much to me, and I loved her back a hundred fold.   I will miss the phone calls but I will never forget the wonderful joy filled conversations and memories.  Marie, I will miss you deeply.  Keep our departed family members and the angels always laughing.  

Rich, Richie, & Christine,  know that you are in all of our prayers up north and wish I could be there with you and for you.
Love always,

Cousin Vincent DeFedele (NJ)

To Rich and Family,  
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers, God Bless!!   

Our hearts are saddened to learn of the loss of your wife. Her spirit and generosity will not be forgotten. Please know we are praying for you and your family.  You have our most sincere sympathies! 

From all of us at Heart of Florida! 





We are so, so sorry for your loss.  So many memories from our days at bowling that will last a lifetime.  Sending prayers your way. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. 

Shawn & Cynthia Mandel

To Rich and family,
No words can described the grieving process you and your family are going through because we know my friend. May God touch your heart to help you heal as she transitions to his kingdom. Just remember the memories you have will always be powerful because of the smile that comes with them. God Bless you and your family. 

Rich,Richie and Chrissy,
    I’m just so sorry for your loss. You are in my heart and in my prayers. Marie was such a special lady. She just put a smile on everyone she was with. I will hold so many memories in my heart. Marie will be  the star that is always there. The Angel watching over the three of you. Her family meant everything to her. Marie will forever be in my heart . Love you Momacita ❤️❤️

Marie, my dear friend I will forever miss you. So many memories I will treasure. Your smile is as big as your heart and your laughter would fill a room.
Life is so unfair at times and this is one of them,…
Love you , until we meet again xoxo Sue

Rich, Richie and Chrissy, our deepest condolences and prayers for you guys. Stay strong for each other, she will always be with you. 
We love you guys always, Jack and Sue 

Rich, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family during this time. 💜💜

To Rich, Richie and Chrissy,
 After knowing your family for 16 years my heart pains for you. Your father spoke highly of your mother many times ovee the years. I know you kids were the beight spot for her. 
My god be with you and By Mercy of God may all the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace.
Tim Bath

OBITUARY

Marie Christine Masillo

October 13, 1952 – July 31, 2021

Baldwin-Fairchild Oviedo Funeral Home

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