Concetta Del Rey
Concetta Del Rey (née Venazio), who spent the spring and summer in Hampton Bays over the past two decades, died at her daughter’s home in Hampton Bays on Thursday, December 1. She was 95.
Born in the Little Italy neighborhood of Manhattan, “Connie” as her friends knew her, grew up in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn and attended New Utrecht High School. She lived most of her married life in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, and Staten Island and worked as a legal secretary until the birth of her first child. In her senior years, she split her time between residences in Boynton Beach, Florida, and the East End, first in Noyac, and for the last 20 years, in Hampton Bays.
To her 16 grandchildren, she was “Gram” and the ultimate matriarch of the family. To her 23 great-grandchildren, she was “Mema,” who could always be counted on for a prayer and a big kiss.
In addition to an unmatched devotion to each generation of her family, Ms. Del Rey was always an active participant in the Catholic and greater communities in which she lived. During her months in Hampton Bays, she was a dedicated member of the Church of St. Rosalie. She was also a member of St. Thomas More Parish in Boynton Beach, where she was a Eucharistic minister and worked at the parish gift shop. Ms. Del Rey was also a longtime member of the Rosary Society, the Madonna League, and the Catholic Daughters. Service to others was always a priority for her, and a way of life she instilled in her children, who carry it forward in their own communities today. She was a volunteer for Head Start programs for impoverished youth and was a friendly visitor to the sick in both their homes and in nursing homes in the Boynton Beach area. Palm Beach County’s Area Agency on Aging awarded her a certificate of merit for 29 years of service to the senior citizen community there. Ms. Del Rey always found joy in the little things: cooking a large Italian meal for her family, bouncing a baby on her knee, visiting with a fellow senior citizen who was without friend or family. And all this and more she always did with a beautiful smile on her face, a gentle touch that seemed to cure all, and a level of humility that amazed all who crossed her path. Her devotion to bringing happiness to others is a legacy that will live on in the enormous network of family and friends she leaves behind.
She is survived by her children, Dr. Stephen Del Rey of Florida, Loretta Thompson of Hampton Bays, Judith Grimaldi of Brooklyn, Rita Del Rey of Hampton Bays, Bernard Del Rey of Staten Island, and Doreen Puliafico of New Jersey. She was predeceased by her husband of 40 years, Dr. Silvio Del Rey; a brother, Frederick Venazio Sr.; and children, Michael Del Rey and Carol Del Rey.
on Dec 6, 2011