Theresa Granata

November 26, 1941 - January 7, 2025

Theresa Granata Gissi, a vibrant woman who embodied the spirit of Brooklyn and Staten Island, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025, at the age of 83.

Born on November 26, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, to Rocco and Mary Granata, Theresa's life was a testament to resilience, hard work, and unwavering love for family and friends.

Early Life and Education

Theresa grew up in a bustling three-family home at 94 Avenue T, corner of West 10th Street, in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn. Raised alongside her older brother Anthony, she was surrounded by a large extended family, including many of Mary's siblings and cousins. Her grandmother, Carmela DeVivo, played a significant role in her upbringing.

From a young age, Theresa demonstrated a nurturing spirit, often helping to care for her younger cousins, as her mother Mary was the oldest of ten siblings. This early experience shaped her into the caring and selfless person she would become.

Theresa's formative years were spent in the company of close friends, particularly her "Silver Saints" club girlfriends. She attended David A. Boody Middle School and Lafayette High School, forging lifelong friendships with Marie Lafalita and Caroline Serafin, who survive her and remain dear friends to this day.

Family Life

On January 7, 1961, at the age of 19, Theresa married Frank J. Gissi. The couple had two children and moved to Bay Terrace, Staten Island, in 1967. Following her divorce in 1972, Theresa faced the challenge of single parenthood with remarkable strength and determination, raising her two boys independently.

Career and Personal Pursuits

Theresa's work ethic was nothing short of extraordinary. Throughout her life, she held various jobs, showcasing her versatility and determination:

- Keypunch operator for First Boston

- Cocktail waitress at the Cosmopolitan Lounge

- Nurse's aide at Edgar Nursing Home

- Owner and operator of a hot dog wagon and food truck on Bay Street

- Part-time coat check attendant at the Quintessence Night Club

Her entrepreneurial spirit and tireless work ethic were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Character and Passions

Theresa was known for her carefree attitude, toughness, outgoing nature, and caring heart. She had a zest for life that was evident in her love for music, dancing, and the beach. The Italian feasts, especially those in Harlem and the Bronx where her father's side of the family participated, held a special place in her heart.

Her passion for cooking and hospitality was legendary among friends and family. Theresa lived by the motto: "Never ask if they want something to eat. Just put the food out; they will eat it... because if you ask, they will always say no!"

Later Years and Passing

In her later years, Theresa faced health challenges with courage. She suffered five mini-strokes and battled congestive heart failure, which led to periods of hospitalization. For the last year of her life, she was confined to a wheelchair at Silver Lake Nursing Home. Theresa passed away on January 7, 2025, at 5:55 AM, exactly 64 years after her wedding day.

Survivors

Theresa is survived by her loving family:

- Sons: Anthony Gissi, Frank Gissi (and daughter-in-law Kathleen)

- Grandchildren: Matthew, Jacqueline, and Jessica Gissi

- Nephews and Nieces: Rocco, Anthony, and Lisa Granata and Joseph & Cecilia Vivolo

- Sister-in-law: Celia Vivolo

- Aunt: Lucy DeVivo (Mary's sister)

She also leaves behind numerous cousins, including Carl, John, Diane, and Dawn Panarella; Barbara Risicotta; Camile and Linda Rossi; Carmela and Dave Simmons; Elizabeth and John Costagna; Mitchell and Neil Farbman; and many others.

A memorial service to celebrate Theresa's life will be announced at a later date. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched with her generosity, resilience, and unwavering spirit.