Santa Raschella

Santa Theresa Raschella peacefully passed away Friday January 1. Born in Brooklyn, she graduated from Fort Hamilton High School, after which she worked as a secretary on Wall Street. In 1972, Santa moved to Tottenville, Staten Island, where she remained a longtime resident. Her favorite job was being a stay-at-home mother.

Deeply involved in her community, she took active roles in the Cub Scouts, CCD, PTA, and was a longtime parishioner of OLHC.

Santa had many hobbies that included; ceramics, crafting, gardening, cooking, and baking; however, her favorite pastime was spending time with her family.

Santa was predeceased by her parents, Filippo and Josephine Azzarello (nee Maurice), her sister, Rosary Smurro, beloved husband John Vincent Raschella Sr., and Son-in Law John Schmittau. Survived by her four children; Vincent and Donna Raschella, Philip and Phyllis Raschella, Denise Schmittau, John and Lauren Raschella, and grandchildren, Lauren Schmittau, Christopher Raschella, Kayla Schmittau, Dominique Raschella, Victoria Schmittau, Ava Raschella, Lea Raschella, and John Raschella, and brother Leonard Azzarello, Santa will be deeply missed and loved always by so many.

Visitation will be on Sunday, January 3rd, 2-6pm, at Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home in Tottenville. Mass will be held at 10am Monday, at Our Lady Help Of Christians Church. Interment to follow at Oceanview Cemetery.