Mary Minardo

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. --Mary Minardo, 95, a woman who will be remembered for her cherished family values, her determination and her concern for others, died Thursday in Carmel Richmond Health Care Center, the Dongan Hills facility where she was a resident for nearly three years.

Born Mary Stracquadanio in Jersey City, Mrs. Minardo was one of eight children.

At the age of five, her family relocated to the Bronx, where she spent her formative years. She graduated from PS 87 and attended Walton High School for two years.

To help support her family, she left school and entered the work force as a seamstress in the garment district of Manhattan.

Upon marrying Michael Minardo in 1938, the couple moved to the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. They eventually became the parents of three sons.

In 1963, the Minardos settled in Arrochar, where they were active members of Holy Rosary R.C. Church, South Beach.

At age 50, Mary enrolled in night classes at Curtis High School and was proud to receive her high school diploma. She also passed the New York State Civil Service Examination and worked as a clerk for the Department of Motor Vehicles for 15 years at its former New Springville location.

In 1986, Mrs. Minardo and her husband moved to Greenbriar in Brick, N.J.

Mr. Minardo died in 1989. Mrs. Minardo returned to Staten Island in 2005 in order to be closer to her family.

Renowned for her cooking prowess, Mrs. Minardo also enjoyed sewing, card playing and taking an occasional trip to Atlantic City.

In speaking of his mom, her son, Anthony Minardo, said: "Mom was a loving and caring person whose family was everything to her."

According to her family, Mrs. Minardo was known for her love of family members and her determination, for her Sunday and holiday dinners, and for her emphasis on the importance of education for her children.

In addition to her son Anthony, Mrs. Minardo is survived by two more sons, New York State Supreme Court Justice Philip G. Minardo, and Dr. Michael Minardo; six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be Tuesday from the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, with a mass at 10:15 a.m. in St. Charles R.C. Church, Oakwood. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.