Carol A. Gristina Of Quogue Dies August 11

Carol A. Gristina of Quogue died at her home on August 11 after a month’s long illness. She was 86.

She was born on August 26, 1933 in New York City to her now deceased parents Helen and Andrew Criscuolo.

Excelling at Evander Childs High School, she then enrolled and was admitted to one of Columbia University’s prestigious undergraduate schools, Barnard College, where she graduated with honors.

Ms. Gristina then pursued graduate art history courses in Rome, Italy. She later applied her language and communication skills to the social needs of people, as a case worker with the Westchester County Department of Family and Child Welfare, a research assistant at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and then as a teacher for continuing education.

Ms. Gristina was a proud and dedicated supporter of the Democratic Party, her family said, and was actively involved in county and state politics. She was a Democratic National Committee member for New York State in the early 1980s, and chaired the New York State arrangements at the 1984 Democratic National Convention in San Francisco. She was also the vice-chair of the Town of Mamaroneck Democratic Committee, executive director of the Westchester County Democratic Party in the 1980s and early 1990s, campaign manager/coordinator for various local and state campaign efforts and district leader and member of the Westchester County Democratic Committee. During this period, Ms. Gristina also served as a trustee of SUNY Purchase.

In 1983, she co-founded Gristina Vineyards in Cutchogue with her husband Dr. Jerome Gristina. Ms. Gristina helped to make it one of the most respected vineyards on Long Island during the region’s nascent period, her family said.

An avid reader, skilled bridge player and schooled chef, Ms. Gristina also enjoyed playing golf and tennis with family and friends as a member of the Westhampton Country Club.

She is survived by her three sons, Peter, Seth and Jeremy Gristina; her daughter-in-law Kathy Gristina; and her three grandchildren Kaitlyn, Emma and Bryanna Gristina. She is also survived by her brother Peter Criscuolo and his wife Frances Criscuolo; her niece Andrea Maloney and her children Annie and Jack Maloney; and her niece Paula Retelle and her husband Bill Retelle.

A memorial service will be announced at a future time.