Rachel Anne Coronato Volpe, RNC, BSN, a woman of unwavering dedication and love, completed her earthly journey on October 30, 2024, at the age of 59. Born on May 17, 1965, in Staten Island, New York, Rachel's life was a radiant example of service, passion, and generosity that touched the hearts of all who knew her. She departed in the same community that she lovingly served, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and commitment that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Rachel's life was a testament to the power of a compassionate education and the impact one person can make in the health and well-being of their community. A lifelong resident of Oakwood, she was a proud graduate of St. John Villa Academy High School and went on to receive her BSN and RN from the College of Staten Island. Further honing her expertise, Rachel studied legal nurse consulting at Wagner College. Her academic pursuits were just the beginning of a career that would span over three decades, dedicated to the care and betterment of others.
At Staten Island University Hospital, Rachel's professional journey began on the Med/Surg floor, and later she brought her talents to the Coronary Care Unit. Her passion for holistic care was evident as she worked tirelessly alongside her husband, Salvatore Volpe, MD, in his private practice. Together, they provided primary care to hundreds of Staten Islanders, enriching lives with their hands-on, heartfelt approach to medicine. Rachel's influence extended beyond the medical office as she served as the Executive Director of the Staten Island Heart Society. She worked tirelessly for 12 years to promote heart health on Staten Island, teaching CPR to over 8,000 people and donating 250 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to non-profits on Staten Island. Her leadership and vision led to a multi-year project driven by the NYC Council resulting in the donation of over 1,500 AEDs and the training of over 10,000 individuals in CPR across the city’s five boroughs.
When the world faced the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rachel stepped forward as a beacon of hope. She loaded up her car with food and helped Meals on Wheels to deliver meals to elderly and disabled people who could not leave their homes or afford a hot meal, multiple times a day for several months. Rachel tapped back into her procedural training and served as a vaccinator in the NYC PODS and later as a travel nurse, bringing vaccines to those in need within their homes. Rachel’s exceptional abilities as a nurse and empathetic vaccinator led to her being selected to serve as one of the initial vaccinators for the Mpox outbreaks in NYC. She was recognized as a leader and exemplary provider among her colleagues every step of the way. Rachel’s unwavering commitment to public health was recognized when she was honored as one of Staten Island's Women of Achievement in May 2024.
Rachel's life was a melody of love and service, with her passions creating harmony with her profession. From a young age, she found joy in playing guitar and singing with her family and church community. The gift of music, a family tradition, was something Rachel happily passed down to her sons, Gino and Salvatore. Her sons were the recipients of her boundless support in their artistic pursuits, from original plays and independent films to studio albums and competitive marching band competitions. Rachel was always there not only to cheer from the audience or the sidelines, but typically carrying equipment, making countless raffle baskets, or leading fundraising campaigns. Wherever there was a will, there was Rachel in her red minivan to make a way.
A woman of faith and deep human connection, Rachel's love for reading and learning about spiritual matters was only matched by her love for her family and friends. Rachel was the epitome of selflessness, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Whenever the Sisters of St. John the Baptist were in need of
assistance, whether in Staten Island or in White Plains, Rachel was there to provide transport to medical appointments, video recordings of annual services, music therapy during the holidays, and so much more. She had the utmost love and respect for the Baptistine Sisters as a product of being nurtured by them during her high school years and beyond.
Walks around the neighborhood and vacations with her family were cherished moments, as were the simple pleasures of relaxing and chatting with her husband after a long day's work. Rachel's presence was often accompanied by her signature Diet Coke, a small quirk that endeared her to many. A lover of all things related to penguins and Kenny Rogers, Rachel's spirit was as playful as it was profound.
Rachel leaves behind a loving family: her devoted husband, Salvatore Volpe, MD; her sons, Gino Louis and Salvatore Giovanni; her mother, Mary Ann Marchetti; her step-mother, Barbara Coronato; her sister, Jennifer Healey; and her brother, Michael Tessler. She now joins her father, Louis Coronato, and her brother, Keith Coronato, in eternal peace.
As we reflect on Rachel's extraordinary life, let us remember the words of Florence Nightingale, a pioneer of nursing: "Mankind must make heaven before we can 'go to heaven’, in this world as in any other." Rachel embraced life as an opportunity to bring joy to others, blazing a trail of love and service that illuminated the lives of everyone she touched.
In the spirit of Rachel's loving and passionate legacy, let us carry forward the torch of generosity and compassion she held so high. As was promoted at the 2024 Women of Achievement ceremony by Rachel's friends and family holding heart-shaped signs that said, "Be Like Rachel," let us aspire like Rachel to achieve the greatest good that God has placed within us. Her life is a
reminder that the most profound impact we can have is in the service of others, and the love we share is our most enduring legacy.
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Rachel Anne Coronato Volpe, RNC, BSN, a woman of unwavering dedication and love, completed her earthly journey on October 30, 2024, at the age of 59. Born on May 17, 1965, in Staten Island, New York, Rachel's life was a radiant example of service, passion, and generosity that touched the hearts of all who knew her. She departed in the same commu