Augusta Montalbano

Lifelong Staten Islander Augusta (Gussie) Montalbano, 95, died Sunday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.

Born in Richmond Valley, she remained there her entire life, in her family's homestead on Murray Street, until she shifted to Rosebank six months ago.

Ms. Montalbano was a beloved fixture behind the counter at Montalbano's, the family-owned Italian specialty store on Bay Street in Rosebank begun in 1926 by her now-deceased brother, Domenic.

She was wonderful, the matriarch of the store, everyone knew her by name, said her niece, Lillian Montalbano. She retired about 30 years ago, after the business was sold.

She was loving, jovial, with an infectious laugh - people loved her upon meeting her, added her niece. She was a very gracious hostess who loved to open up her home to family and friends.

Ms. Montalbano enjoyed playing cards, visiting Atlantic City and spending time with her family.

In her younger years, she was a parishioner of Our Lady Help of Christians R.C. Church in Tottenville.

Surviving are three other nieces, Barbara Ryan, Marie Supina, and Eileen Carroll, and four nephews, Vincent Montalbano, and Daniel, George and David McGrath.

The funeral will be Friday at 10 a.m. in the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Grasmere.

Services: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Friday, January 3,2014 10:00AM

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Thursday, January 2, 2014 2-6PM

Cemetery: St. Mary's Cemetery

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home