Ann Sergio

Ann Josephine Kelly Sergio Born March 25, 1933 Died on March 8, 2023. Ann was born in Longford, Ireland, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1949 at 16. She eventually met the love of her life, Rocco Sergio, while working as a teacher at St. Martin of Tours in Bethpage. They were married in 1960 and remained married for 61 years until Rocco died on April 8, 2022. That loss was felt deeply and changed Ann, as did losing her son Rob in 2009. Together they had and raised four children; Mary, Maggie, Robert (deceased), and Joseph. They had five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Ann and Rocco were partners in life and business. They shared a bond of teaching music to children. A life-long endeavor focused on the love of music and children. They co-founded the Sergio School of Music that taught music to children on Long Island and later in Wellington, Florida. Ann was a music educator and animal lover. Not just dogs and cats, but every squirrel, rabbit, stray cat, and bird that visited her yard was special to her, and she felt that it was her responsibility that they are fed. And then there were the dogs. In their younger years, Ann and Rocco spent many weekends attending and competing in dog shows across the northeast. Ann was competitive and liked to win, while Rocco was more subdued and cerebral. Bella-Mu Show Dogs was the name given to the Afghan Hounds and Lhasa Apsos they had bred and shown. It was a hobby that became a passion as both became AKC-licensed judges. Ann’s love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was fierce. Her connection and love for her birthplace, Ireland, was as undeniable as the brogue she spoke with. Ann became energized whenever Irish music was played or “The Quiet Man” was on. In the last year of her life, following the death of Roc, Ann struggled and needed support with the tasks of daily living. Ann’s children, Joseph and Maggie, want to express their heartfelt gratitude to Debbie Kelly for her compassion and strength. And most profound appreciation to Ann’s exceptional caretaker, Nadira Ramcharan. Thank you both for allowing our mother’s last months to be filled with Grace and dignity. Ann leaves behind dear friends; life-long friend Betty Leap, her sister-in-law, Allyson Kelly, with which a deep bond was shared, and close friends Jan and Charlie. Ann also leaves behind her brother, Jack, in Ireland. Ann had a special place in her heart for her son-in-law, Orlando, whom she considered her son. Ann always looked forward to his baked goods, including her favorite cheesecake and magic cookie bars. Ann’s son Joseph and his husband, Orlando, gave so much love and support to Ann and Roc. It is impossible to list out all that her sons gave. Maggie said, “Joe and Orlando raised the bar on unconditional love.” Ann has now been reunited in paradise with her husband, “Roc,” her son Rob, brothers Ned and Pat, and her sister, Virginia. Ann will see her mother, Margaret Farrell, who died when Ann was just a child. She will also be reunited with dearly departed friends Vinny Leap and Adrienne Bender. While those of us left behind will miss her terribly, there is comfort in knowing she has been welcomed with open arms and love and is finally at peace. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Ann's memory to: Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center 33 Warner Road, Huntington, NY 11743 https://www.littleshelter.org/help-us-help-animals-donate-adw

Ann Sergio

March 25, 1933 - March 8, 2023