Bessie Lamonica

Bessie Maria Lamonica, 93, a longtime resident and staple of Oceanside, NY, left this earth on June 14th, 2020, peacefully in her home in which she resided in for 59 years. She was a beloved, mother, grandmother, aunt and mentor. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Lamonica, and grandchildren, Taylor, and Austin Pugliese. Bessie was born in West Virginia but grew up in Biella, Italy. After World War II, she emigrated back to the United States in 1948 by herself, living in Oceanside. She was able to have the rest of the family join her within the next two years when they emigrated as well. She soon met Phil, living in neighboring Rockville Centre, through his sister and they were married in 1953. They settled down in Oceanside and were blessed with 2 beautiful children, Rudy and Donna. Unfortunately at the age of 17, Rudy was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was given 6 months to live. She dealt with her grief by immersing herself into helping the local youth chase their desire to play soccer and was responsible for founding the first ever girls soccer team, with the help of her husband, Phil. Bessie was a driving force in the community and will be greatly missed. She positively effected so many lives throughout her years on this earth. She was a force to be reckoned with and anyone who met her can attest to that. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends and we all hope she is finally at peace and reunited with her husband, son, and the rest of her family.