Teresa D’Onofrio, 78, of Howard Beach, New York, passed away on November 29, 2024. Born on October 4, 1946 in Forchia, Benevento, Italy, and one of four children to her parents, Carmine and Pasqualina Falco, Teresa was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, who spent her entire life putting the needs of her family first.

Teresa met her husband, Giuseppe D’Onofrio, when they were teenagers in Italy. They were married in 1965. Looking to make a better life for themselves and their family, they eventually moved to New York City in the early 1970s. There, Teresa and Giuseppe raised their two children, and built a beautiful life together.

Affectionately referred to as “nonna” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Teresa’s life was the epitome of the American dream. She saw all of her adult grandchildren graduate from college and start families of their own.

The consummate host, Teresa was renowned by her family and friends for her excellent culinary skills. Whether it was a plate of pasta, fresh fruit, or a sweet treat, no one ever left Teresa’s home on an empty stomach. During the holidays, Teresa loved decorating every inch of her home and celebrating with her friends and family. Her Christmas Eve dinners were particularly notable; she often hosted parties of at least 30 people, proudly doing all of the cooking herself.

Teresa valued tradition. Every summer, she and her family would gather together and make hundreds of jars of tomato sauce for their pasta. She loved cooking for her grandchildren and passing down her recipes. Teresa’s life was a testament to the power of resilience, kindness, and love.

Teresa is survived by Giuseppe, her husband of 59 years, and her children, who she loved deeply, Michael (Lori) and Clementina (Peter). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to seven grandchildren, Joseph (Ashley), Michael (Valentina), Christina (Nicholas), Alyssa (Daniel), Alexa, Peter, and Joseph, as well as five great-grandchildren, Joseph, Elliana, James, Michael, and Patrick. She was a dear friend to many, who will forever cherish the memories they made with her.

Family and friends are invited to gather for the Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:45 AM, Saturday, December 7, 2024 at St. Helen Roman Catholic Church, Howard Beach, New York. Teresa will be laid to rest following the Mass at St. Charles Cemetery, 2015 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, New York 11735.

In lieu of flowers, Teresa’s family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. A link to the foundation’s website can be found below.

https://www.michaeljfox.org/