Obituary of Rosemary J. Martino

Rosemary Josephine Buccola of Merrick, New York, passed away on June 19, 2023. She was 95 years young, less than three months shy of her 96th birthday. Born on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx, she was part of a close-knit Italian family, daughter of Christopher and Mary Buccola (Nicoletti). She is predeceased by her parents, her brothers and sisters-in-law Benny (Stella), Jimmy (Jo) and Mickey (Ethel). She had many much-loved nieces, nephews, grandnieces/nephews, and great grandnieces/nephews. Rosemary was extraordinary in every way, most especially as a devoted wife to her husband of nearly 66 years, Mario Joseph Martino, and as mother to her four children Rosemary, Carol Ann, Richard and Christine and son-in-law John Dillon, all of whom she loved dearly. She was a devout Catholic whose faith remains inspirational to all who knew her. She loved her friends, old and new, and spent many a time enjoying parties and events with as friends from of Cure of Ars parish, where she was an active parishioner and the Merrick Senior Center, where she served as president. She always kept in touch with those who were close to her from all parts of her life, and never forgot to recognize a relative or friend's birthday with a heartfelt card. With the intellect and tenacity to do anything she put her mind to, Rosemary chose family life and motherhood. But she was a superb legal stenographer, appreciated by all with whom she worked and taught. She was a voracious reader of mysteries; loved music (ensuring her children learned to play musical instruments) and animals (especially Missy, Princess and Sparkles). Most notably, she was a passionate sports enthusiast with an encyclopedic knowledge of ice hockey and baseball. She enjoyed football, college basketball, Ice Skating tournaments and tennis, and as an athlete in younger days, bowling, skiing, and roller dancing. She was a die-hard fan of the NY Islanders and NY Mets to the end. Rosemary was generous and loving as the day is long and cherished her family and friends. With an infectious down-to-earthiness, she was authentic and one-of-a kind. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her and loved her. We are grateful that she is now in a place of peace, joy and light. Visiting at N.F. Walker, Inc. – Merrick Funeral Home 2039 Merrick Ave. Merrick on Thurs. June 22 from 2-5 and 7-9PM. Funeral Mass at Cure of Ars R.C. Church, 2323 Merrick Ave. Merrick, NY 11566 on Friday the 23rd at 10:30AM Msgr. Francis J. Caldwell, celebrant. Burial at The Cemetery of The Holy Rood, Westbury NY. Donations in her name will be appreciated and may be made to: 'Capital Campaign Cure of Ars R.C. Church' or to MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care via https://www.mjhsfoundation.org/ways-to-make-a-gift/make-a-memorial-gift/ Or to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center via https://giving.mskcc.org/ www.nfwalkerfh.com