Theresa Silvestro of Hampton Bays died at her home on April 30, with her daughter, Annette Avelli, at her side. She was 99.
Born December 5, 1915, and known to her friends as “Terry,” she was a retired supervisor at the corporate office of Key Food. She was a member of the Republican Women’s Club, treasurer for the Michelangelo Lodge for more than 20 years and volunteered at Southampton Hospital for more than 40 years, after moving to Hampton Bays from Brooklyn full time.
Survivors said she spoke fondly of her memories of family, friends and new friends she met while volunteering. Her favorite volunteer activities and organizations included the triathlon at Long Beach, the Hampton Designer Showhouse, the Fresh Air Fund, the Southampton Hospital Summer Party, the Hampton Classic Horse Show and the Dominican Sisters. Many lifelong friends were in public relations, medical records and in the payroll department, including Tom Carney, of Southampton Hospital. She was an active member of the Church of St. Rosalie in Hampton Bays.
She was predeceased by her husband, Leonard P. Silvestro; a son, Leonard A.; a grandson, Leonard J.; a sister, Eleanor Santry; a brother, Edmond Milano; and son-in-law, Joseph Avelli.
Ms. Silvestro is survived by a daughter, Annette Avelli; two grandchildren, Susan and Steven Avelli; and a great-granddaughter, Gabby Silvestro. She is also survived by a niece and nephew, Donna and Terrance Santry; her “chosen daughter,” Diane Carpenter; and her “chosen granddaughter,” Lauren.
A wake was held at the R.J. O’Shea Funeral Home in Hampton Bays on May 2 and 3. A funeral Mass was held at the Church of St. Rosalie on May 4, followed by interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Southampton.