Katherine I. Mandaro

Katherine Mandaro, 96,  loving matriarch.   

Katherine Mandaro, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend left us peacefully on September 5th at the age of 96. Katherine was an incredible woman whose strength, selfless love, and feisty humor left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. 

Born in Brooklyn, NY on April 25, 1928, Katherine was the cherished daughter of the late Vincent and Irene Pesce. She was a wonderful wife to her late husband, Nicholas, with whom she shared a loving marriage for 53 years. In 1960 they moved from Brooklyn to New Dorp, Staten Island, where they raised their family as parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. Katherine’s strong faith was evident in her life-long devotion to St. Anthony. She was a beloved member of the community, always brightening her neighbors’ day with a smile and warm conversation; in her later years, she enjoyed watching out her front door for the school bus and waving to all the children.

Katherine worked as a legal secretary at Title Guaranty and Trust in NYC, and later worked at The Luggage Shop and Gift Center on New Dorp Lane. Katherine was a talented seamstress and excellent cook, and she enjoyed making meals and desserts that her family cherished. She loved reminiscing about her time in Brooklyn and her childhood summers in Rocky Point, Long Island; and made many lasting memories at the beautiful beach in East Marion, Long Island. She treasured the large Christmas gatherings at her New Dorp home and her annual trips to Georgia to visit her family. Katherine was always the happiest when surrounded by her family. 

Katherine is survived by her three loving daughters, Elizabeth Vermeulen, Jean Kennedy, and Joan Cooke; her six grandchildren, Matt, David, Joseph, Matthew, Sarah, and Emily; her great grandson, Owen; and many nieces and nephews. Each holds dear the memories and wise life lessons she shared with them throughout the years. She is predeceased by her husband, Nicholas, her brother, Vincent Pesce Jr, and her sons-in-law, Bruce Vermeulen and James Cooke.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. May she join the family Ponderosa in the sky.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 13th from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hanley Funeral Home (60 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island). The funeral mass will be on Saturday, September 14th at 9:30 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace R.C. Church (New Dorp Lane), followed by burial at St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Katherine’s name to Chase Memorial Nursing Home & Rehab, for the Resident Activities Fund (1 Terrace Heights, New Berlin, NY 13411). The family wants to acknowledge the compassionate care of the nurses, aides, doctors, and all staff at Chase Memorial. Their professionalism, patience, and kindness will never be forgotten.