Matthew Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

03/07/2026

Salvatore Anthony Ballarino Sr., 83, of Westerleigh, passed away peacefully on the evening of March 4th, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Elna (Saamanen) Ballarino for almost 55 years; loving father of Victoria Ballarino and Donna Gargiulo and her husband Ryan Gargiulo. With his first wife, the late Roseann (Palumbo) Ballarino, he had two children; Diane (Ballarino) Andrews and Salvatore Ballarino married to Nicole (Russo) Ballarino. He was grandfather to Jacqueline Ballarino, Andrew Ballarino, Jessica Ballarino, Marisa Andrews and Rosalyn Gargiulo. He is also survived by his brother Louis and wife Phyllis Ballarino.

He was born in Brooklyn to his parents Anthony and Rose Ballarino. He was a Sea Cadet through his school years and up to his graduation from Lafayette High School. He then went to work for Con Edison. Soon after that, he changed careers and went to work with his uncle at Dairy Maid Ravioli. He was eventually joined by his brother Louis. Together they became the owners and developed it into the successful business that it continues to be today.

Salvatore loved spending time with family, attending annual cousin parties as well as other milestone events. His good humor and quick wit were enjoyed by all. He was a member of the NRA, loved trap shooting and favored watching war history and karate movies especially Bruce Lee. It was when his daughter Donna was in school that Salvatore became an active member in the school community which eventually led to his nomination to the Community School Board on Staten Island. Because of his participation in the Construction Committee of that Board, he was responsible for many new schools being successfully built on the island.
Beginning in 1998, he and Elna began to travel the world annually visiting places such as Italy, Russia, Ireland, Egypt, China and Australia. Although not a big fan of some of the food on these trips, he always made the best of it. To Salvatore, food was life and to eat well was to be well.

He was also an active member in the community of Our Lady Of Pity R.C. Church, a part of the Holy Name Society, and was always willing to pitch in and help those in need. Over the years he received various awards for his community involvement. He will forever be remembered for his generous spirit, his kind heart and pure determination to get things done.

Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Monday, 3/9, departing at 9:30 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Pity R.C. Church at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY. Family and friends are invited to visit on Saturday, 3/7, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and Sunday, 3/8, from 2:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM.

In Lieu of Flowers, Donations may be made in Salvatore's Memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

www.matthewfuneralhome.com

03/03/2026

Thomas F. Lynch, 79, of Staten Island, New York, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026. Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Eileen Lynch; his three children, Mary Duffy and her husband Ed Duffy, Thomas Rando, and Donna Rando; his grandchildren, Braden Duffy, Connor Duffy, Jenna Rando, and Gianna Rando; his sister, Kathleen Nagel, and her husband Cliff Nagel; his nephew Sean Nagel and niece Allison Podesta. He leaves behind a family that is immeasurably richer for having had him in it.

Born on September 28, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, Tom grew up in Sunet Park and spent the last 20 years of his life on Staten Island. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Tom served his country during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Isle Royale, where he distinguished himself as a Shipfitter (Metal Smith) Petty Officer Third Class. His service was honored with the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal, a reflection of his dedication, courage, and commitment to his country.

After returning from his military service, Tom built a second career of public service with the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), where he worked as a Motorman for 31 years before retiring. Every day, quietly and reliably, he kept New York City moving, a fitting legacy for a man of steady character and strong work ethic.

Tom was a man of simple pleasures. He was a lifelong fan of New York’s own: the Mets, the Giants, and the Rangers. Tom was known to tune into a Yankees game just to make sure they lost. He loved bowling, playing cards, and was the undisputed family champion of Skip-Bo.

Tom had a deep and genuine passion for the classics of the 1950s and ’60s. He told the stories behind the music: who was in the band and what was happening in the world when it was written. Tom had a remarkable knowledge of history, and music was just one of the windows through which it shone. He was the kind of man you could sit with, and you’d always come away knowing something you didn’t before.

He may not have always said it out loud, but those closest to Tom never doubted how deeply he loved them. Tom cherished the time he spent with the people he loved most and never missed a Sunday dinner. His children and grandchildren will forever remember being called “funny looking” and being sent off with a “love you, kid!”, his special terms of endearment that made everyone feel loved. Those phrases, delivered with a grin, said everything about who Tom was: a man who expressed his love through laughter and time well spent together. He will be dearly missed.

Friends and Family are invited to pay their respects at Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314, on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM.

02/27/2026

Theresa Lauria, 88, of Port Richmond, formerly of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, February 25, 2026, in Staten Island University Hospital surrounded by her immediate family.

Theresa was the most loving and caring wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother whose greatest joy was caring for her family.
She was the beloved wife of Frank John Lauria. Their marriage was a testament to partnership, resilience, and endless love. A bond built on love, laughter, strength, and unwavering support.

As a mother, she was the heart of her home. She gave freely of herself to support her son, who will carry with him forever her love and the lessons she taught him.

But it was in her role as grandmother that her light seemed to shine brightest. Her grandchildren were truly her life. She celebrated every milestone from first steps, school plays, holidays, to everyone’s graduations. She never missed an opportunity to show up, to cheer, to hug, or to remind them how deeply they were and still are loved. Each grandchild knew they held a unique and special place in her heart.

Her legacy is measured in the love she planted so deeply within her family. That love will continue to grow in the traditions she shared, the values she instilled, and the countless memories she leaves behind.

Theresa is pre-deceased by her husband Frank, her parents Grace and Anthony Funicello, and her sister Toni Ann Loiacono. She is survived by her beloved son Thomas Anthony, her loving daughter-in-law Zoi, her cherished grandchildren Samantha, Jaime, and Matthew, whom she was so proud of, her sister Mary Ann Wein, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

Theresa will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

Funeral departing the Matthew Funeral Home. 2508 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY on Tuesday 3/3 at 9:15 AM. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rita’s Church at 10AM. Interment to follow at Moravian Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Monday 3/2 from 1-4 and 7-9 PM.

02/26/2026

Thomas J. McBride passed away on February 23rd, at home, surrounded by his family, after a 2 year long battle with a rare, aggressive form of cancer called Cholangiocarcinoma.

Growing up in Brooklyn, Thomas was raised by his parents, Robert and Marie. He loved going to the racetrack where he met his future wife, Ingrid. Thomas loved horses, one of his favorite animals to admire, so much that he owned his own horses for years.

Thomas worked as a Heavy Hauler, and was the Shop Steward for his company. His work friends knew he was the guy they could always rely on to get the job done. He loved going to work he was very passionate and extremely proud of what he did. He took great pride in his work.

In his spare time, Thomas was a big sports fan; specifically for the Jets and Flyers. He loved football and hockey. He was a Jets season ticket holder for 36 years. He became a Flyers fan by following his favorite goalie Bernie Parent. He enjoyed watching both his teams play.

Thomas loved his family so much, he would do anything for them. He always made sure that his wife Ingrid, daughter Hunter and son Ian were his first priority, never himself. His heart was so big and filled with love, that even his nieces and nephews would come to him for advice and assistance. We will all miss him tremendously.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Ingrid, his daughter, Hunter and son, Ian; as well as his mother Marie, stepfather Joe, brothers Brian and Kevin, niece Colleen, and pet cats that he loved so much.

Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Friday, 3/6, departing at 9:15 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Thursday, 3/5, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM.

To Order Flowers, Please Visit:
www.matthewfloristandmonuments.com/fast-order/

www.matthewfuneralhome.com

02/26/2026

John Simpson Fairlie Sr.
November 26, 1926 – February 23, 2026

Native Staten Islander and our beloved Dad & Pop, John Fairlie Sr., “Jack,” passed away peacefully at the age of 99. Jack was one of eleven children born to the late Robert and Isabelle Butler Fairlie. He grew up on North Street in Port Richmond where he and his siblings swam in the Kill Van Kull and dove off the high board at Faber Pool. A child of the depression and a member of “The Greatest Generation,” Jack always worked at least two jobs. He had a strong entrepreneurial spirit that motivated him throughout his lifetime as he owned several businesses and properties on Staten Island.

At the age of 16, too young to enlist in the armed forces, Jack joined the United States Merchant Marine where he served aboard ships that brought much needed supplies to the allied forces at Normandy Beach. At the age of 18, he joined the United State Army. Jack remained fiercely proud of his service to his country and was a dedicated member of the American Legion.

In 1946, Jack and his first wife, the late Mary Ward Fairlie, married, and eventually moved to West Brighton to raise their family. Jack was a long-time member of Hillside Swim Club and a devoted parishioner of Blessed Sacrament, where he served as an usher, a lector, and the director of the Blessed Sacrament Teen Players. Jack was active in community theater, performed in clubs throughout Manhattan and even produced and directed his own full-length feature film. He loved telling jokes, performing on stage and was known to spontaneously break into song at a moment’s notice.

In the late 1960’s, a parish priest asked Jack and Mary to take in an infant child born with Down’s Syndrome and a host of other health issues. They lovingly raised “Michael the Archangel” as one of their own children until government officials placed Michael in the Willowbrook State School where he died shortly thereafter. This sadness of this tragedy lived in their hearts for the rest of their lives.

After losing Mary to cancer in 1984, Jack found the love of his life in Monona Rossol. They married in 1989 and had 37 wonderfully happy years together. With Monona, Jack was free to be himself, and they were lucky to share many common interests and a joyful companionship - doing things they loved, such as singing in the church choir together. Monona took incredible care of him over the last year for which we are forever grateful. Her heart is broken, and she will miss him terribly.

Jack was the proud father of Brian (Gail), Maureen (Joan), Bonnie, Kerry (Bill), and John Fairlie Jr. He was the much-loved grandfather of Kristi (Tim), the late Dr. Megan Fairlie (Matt), Heather (Devin), Mary Kate, Maggie, and Liam. He just loved being the “Pop Pop Pop” of his great grandchildren: Timothy, Toby, Devin, Faeryn, Kailan, Clodagh, Aileen and Maca. Jack is also survived by a great many nieces and nephews.

For those who wish to honor Jack’s memory, in lieu of flowers, be the reason someone smiles today. Visit a friend who needs cheering up. Tell a few knock-knock jokes, sing out loud, dance a jig. Do someone a kindness, expecting nothing in return.

Friends will be received at the Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, on Sunday, March 1st from 2:30 through 5:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1091 Forest Avenue, Staten Island at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 2nd, with entombment immediately following at Resurrection Cemetery.

To Order Flowers, Please Visit:
www.matthewfloristandmonuments.com/fast-order/

www.matthewfuneralhome.com

02/25/2026

Lucille DeMaio, 79, of Brooklyn, NY, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, at Golden Gate Rehabilitation Center. She was the beloved daughter of the late Nick and Mary Giordano, the devoted wife of the late Mike DeMaio, and the cherished mother of Michael and his wife, Jackie. She was the loving grandmother of Michael and Matthew, who were the light of her life.
Lucille is also survived by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Theresa and Vinny Gallo; her nephews Joey and Michael Gallo; her niece Rosanne Nardone (née Gallo); her cousin Guy “Junior” Penza; and her lifelong friend, Maria Dortmund. She leaves behind many dear friends, especially those from Lloyd Court, who held a special place in her heart.
Born and raised in Gravesend, Brooklyn, Lucille was a devoted stay-at-home mother for many years before working as her cousin Guy’s assistant at Penza Affiliates, where she eventually retired.
Lucille will always be remembered for her hosting, her generosity, and her mountains of food. Cooking was her love language, and nothing brought her more joy than feeding the people she loved. She also had a passion for shopping, pocketbooks, and fashion. She always looked her best—even when simply relaxing at home—with her hair and makeup done as if every day were a special occasion. And of course, she adored Engelbert Humperdinck.
She was loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed by many.

Family and friends may visit the Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10314, on Wednesday, 3/4 from 4-8PM. Funeral departing Matthew Funeral Home on Thursday 3/5 at 9:45 am. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 10:30 AM. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

02/24/2026

02/19/2026

James C O'Neill, 81, of Westerleigh, passed away Friday, February 6th, at Richmond University Medical Center.

Jimmy was born and raised in Brooklyn, and learned early, the values of hard work and discipline, which he carried with him his whole life, enabling his future success in business and providing a great home for his family.

Besides his happy memories of growing up with his many cousins, some of his other happy childhood memories stem from the summers he got to spend with his relatives in Canada every other year, alternating with his little brother. These trips developed in him a lifelong love for our neighbor to the North: "None of that fake stuff, you gotta have real Canadian maple syrup!"

Jimmy enjoyed his two years in the Navy upon being drafted in 1965. He qualified as a Jet Engine Mechanic, serving as a "Plane Captain" in charge of Douglas A-3 Skywarrior maintenance aboard aircraft carriers. His fondest memories of his service were aboard the USS America, visiting Spain, Italy and Malta.

After that he embarked on his civilian career, briefly working in the aerospace industry on the West Coast, before returning to New York and trying his hand in a few different industries, and then settling into a successful career in insurance.

Soon after starting his family with his wife Joyce, they moved from Brooklyn to Staten Island to be nearer to Joyce's parents, and provide a more suburban life for his children.

He loved taking his young family to the beach and the outdoors, and fine dining also became his passion, his family becoming regulars at many of Staten Island's favorite restaurants.

Jimmy is survived by his wife Joyce, their son Brett and his wife Amparo, and their children Laney and Noah, as well as daughter Jaime and her husband Chris.

Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Friday, 2/20, departing at 11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family R.C. Church, with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Thursday, 2/19, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

www.matthewfuneralhome.com

02/17/2026

1. Many large scale floral sites will add on charges or increase the price of the arrangement by a percentage. Shipping costs are slightly higher than a local company.
2. When working with a local florist, it is easier to customize your arrangement to create something that is more specific to your loved one.
3. Shopping local means easier and faster transport.
4. Buying locally means that you are helping to sustain local businesses in your neighborhood. Supporting family-owned businesses in your area means that your money will have a greater impact on your community.

For more information on our floral arrangements, or to customize your flower display, visit us at 2508 Victory Blvd., or call us at 718-494-2300. We offer listings of our arrangements online, https://matthewfloristandmonuments.com

02/14/2026

Sending warm Valentine’s Day wishes to our community. May love surround you today🤍

02/13/2026

Joyce Sophie Etheridge (Jones) 83 passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, while at the Clove Lakes Rehabilitation Center for therapy after heart surgery. Born Joyce Jones to the late Mabel and Robert Jones, she was the devoted mother to her two sons, Tyrone and Terrence Etheridge, and her daughter Tiffany Caceres (Etheridge). Joyce cherished her seven grandchildren: Sean, Ephen, Tenaya, Tyler, Alexis, Terrence Jr. and Amy Lynn. She was also blessed to have five great grandsons: Noah, Bruce, Stephen, Colten and Real. Joyce is also survived by her daughter-in-law Renee Etheridge and her great niece Lelia Marino who she had a special bond with. She was known as grandma, and Aunt Joyce too many, and she loved and cherished her relationships with her cousins.

Joyce Etheridge was born and raised in the New Brighton area of Staten Island, she graduated with honors from Mckee high school and went on to work with New York Telephone Company for several years before moving on to the Department of Social Services, working there for 37 years before retiring.

She raised her children in West Brighton area of Staten Island, but at the time of her passing she resided in the Stapleton Houses on Hill Street.

Joyce enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed her coffee dates with her childhood friend as well as lunch and Broadway show outings with her cousins. She enjoyed watching her cooking shows, especially the Pioneer Woman, and her game shows Family Feud and Wheel of Fortune, but no evening was complete until Channel 7 news went off.

After retiring she was able to travel to Las Vegas Nevada to visit with her son Tryone and his family and enjoy the slots. She also enjoyed trips to Atlantic city.

She had a full life surrounded by those who loved her, she had a kind heart and loved to laugh. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Rest in Paradise Mom, “You prepared us for life, you just didn’t prepare us for life without you”.

Family and Friends may visit the Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Blvd. on Saturday 2/28 from 2-6 PM with a Service at the funeral home at 4:00 PM.