Obituary of Lucy Donofrio

In Loving Memory of Lucy Donofrio

May 18, 1925 - March 23, 2024

Lucy Donofrio's journey began on May 18th, 1925, in the town of Bluefield, West Virginia. Her father, Francesco, had immigrated from Italy with his family, to secure work on the railroads and in the coal mines of the region. However, the harsh realities of the Great Depression prompted Francesco to relocate his family back to their ancestral home in the small southern Italian town of Sant’Agata di Puglia.

It was in Sant’Agata that Lucy crossed paths with her future husband, Antonio. As Antonio prepared to embark on his naval service, their devotion strengthened, enduring the trials of wartime separation. Once he returned, he and Lucy exchanged vows.

Their journey together led them to Rome, where they spent several formative years before making the decision to migrate to the United States for better opportunities for their growing family. At seven months pregnant she and Antonio boarded the SS Andrea Doria, bound for New York City. In June 1954, they arrived in the Bronx welcomed by some of Lucy’s family members who had already settled there. While raising her three children: John, Diana, and Al, Lucy learned American culture and language to grow as an American family. Despite initial challenges, Lucy and Antonio persevered, channeling their determination into building a successful restaurant business that prospered for years to come.

Lucy's culinary talents became legendary within their family, as she poured her heart into every meal she prepared. She embodied the essence of a loving mother, wife, sister, daughter, and grandmother, earning her place as the cherished matriarch of their family.

Following Antonio's passing in 2001, Lucy moved to Long Island, where she resided with her daughter Diana and son-in-law Nathan. She continued, in this stage of her life, to take care of her family by sharing values and tradition with her grandchildren, gathering her whole family for weekly dinners and special celebrations.

She will be missed dearly by her family: John, Diana, and Al—and their respective spouses—Carol, Nathan, and Lisa— as well as her grandchildren: Michelle, Gemma(Helen), Julia, Mitchell, and Jake.

As we bid farewell to Lucy, let us hold dear the memories of her endless love and the legacy of compassion she leaves behind. Let us honor her life by continuing the bonds of family and embracing each day with the same love and devotion that defined her remarkable journey. Her spirit will forever remain a guiding light in our lives. Rest in peace, dear Lucy.