Regina Persichetty

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Regina Persichetty, 95, of Grasmere, who loved to share her fond memories of growing up in Midland Beach, died yesterday in Carmel Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Dongan Hills.

She was born Regina Herbst in Manhattan and moved with her parents to New Hyde Park, L.I., as a child. Her family had a home in Midland Beach where they spent the summers, and they settled there permanently in the 1930s, after the Depression.

She graduated from high school on the Island and worked for 17 years as a keypunch operator for Goldman Sachs in Manhattan, until retiring in 1978.

Mrs. Persichetty then relocated to St. Petersburg, Fla., but returned to the Island in 1992, moving to Grasmere. She entered the nursing home in September 2011, due to illness.

She was affectionately called Neanie by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

With warm memories of growing up in Midland Beach, she shared stories with her family about the Beach in its heyday, when there was a pool, lifeguards, outdoor movies, the pier and dances. She won her first dance trophy in 1935 and was very proud of that accomplishment.

Mrs. Persichetty enjoyed gardening. She also was skilled at sewing and crocheting, and altered her own clothing. She liked to work crossword puzzles and her favorite television shows included The Lawrence Welk Show, American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.

She was a unique individual, said her daughter, Linda Roberts.

Mrs. Persichetty was a parishioner of St. Margaret Mary R.C. Church, Midland Beach.

Along with her daughter, Linda, surviving are her daughter, Pamela Winkworth; six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be Monday from the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville, with a mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Margaret Mary's Church. Arrangements include cremation.

Services: Monday April 16,2012 a 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Mary's R.C. Church. Private Cremation to follow

Visitation: Friends will be received on Sunday April 15, 2012 from 2-4-7-9 PM

Cemetery: Rosehill Crematory

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: St. Margaret Mary's RC Church