Kathleen Esmilla

With heavy hearts, the family of Kathleen Garcia Esmilla, fondly known as “Kay”, announces her peaceful passing at her Sunnyside home of 60 years on Friday, October 20, 2023—one day shy of her 94th birthday.

A much-loved and respected family matriarch, dedicated daughter, sister, and sister-in-law, and beloved aunt, Kay was first and foremost a devoted wife to Joe, her husband of 60 years and loving mother to her pride and joy, Barbara.

Kay was the second of six children born in Brooklyn to a second-generation Italian-American mother and Filipino father. The Garcias were a tight-knit family, fondly reflected in Kay’s stories of life with her siblings in a home filled with music, singing, dancing, and laughter.

Kay landed her first job at the Philippine Consulate in New York where she met the love of her life, Joe. She adapted to being a diplomat’s wife with grace and unpretentious charm, making her instantly likeable to many who would become lifelong friends. She was admired for her impeccable sense of style and ability to brighten a room with her warmth and gift of artful conversation.

Whip-smart and nonsense, Kay went on to forge her own career, serving in senior administrative roles at CUNY before moving to the College of Staten Island where she retired at age 81.

Kay was predeceased by her husband, Joe, sister, Jean, and brothers Matthew (Sonny) and Marshall. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara, nephew Lenny Oliva, sister Mary Ann Cadawas, brother Vincent Garcia (Dianne, spouse), and numerous nieces and nephews. Kay lived for her family, uniting the Garcias and Esmillas by her equal and devoted affection for both kin. She had a remarkable ability to keep on top of the goings-on of four generations of family members and did so with genuine interest and love. For this, she is deeply cherished by us all!

A visitation for Kathleen will be held Monday, October 23, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. A visitation will occur Monday, October 23, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. A visitation will occur Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. A visitation will occur Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. A mass of christian burial will occur Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM at St. Teresa of The Infant Jesus, 1634 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314. A committal service will occur Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Road, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harmonfuneralhome.net for the Esmilla family.