Grace Picioccio, 95

March 02, 2025

Grace Picioccio (nee Caramazza), passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 2, 2025, in Lititz, PA. Born in New York City, Grace led a life full of love, dedication, and family.

Grace moved to Staten Island, NY as a teenager, attended PS 30 and Port Richmond High School, married Carmine Picioccio and raised her family in the Westerleigh area of Staten Island, where she was a devoted mother and cherished friend. Upon retirement, she and her husband, Carmine, moved to Spring Hill, FL, where she enjoyed the warmth and tranquility of the Sunshine State. In her later years, she relocated to Lititz, PA, to be nearer to her beloved family.

Grace was a terrific cook, especially Italian dishes. There was always room for another chair at her table, usually welcoming unexpected friends of her children to join the meal. She made every Sunday special with a great meal. She was also an excellent baker and made a variety of pies, cakes, breads and even cannoli, all from scratch. Before each of her children’s birthdays, she would ask ” What kind of cake do you want?”. If your answer wasn’t “ice cream cake.”, she would proceed to make your request herself. Holidays were extra special with the house filled with the delicious aromas of homemade food made from scratch with love.

One of Grace’s greatest strengths was her ability to be present in the moment, yet always ready to tell a tale of her childhood.

Grace was also quite creative. She painted Christmas characters on the front door glass, made Halloween costumes (even for the dog) and helped with craft projects for school.
She was a Cub Scout den mother and an avid bowler. Grace loved to walk, whether it was a trip to her mother’s house, a stroll in the country or ambling through the neighborhood just to enjoy the sunshine.

Grace’s kindness was not only extended to family, but to friends as well, when help was needed with cleaning, cooking, shopping, or babysitting. One example was when her stepsister had a debilitating stroke at an early age with young children at home. Grace helped the family for months while juggling the responsibilities of her own family and home as well. Her husband, Carmine, was often away from home for work and, in the younger years, he lovingly referred to her as the “First Sergeant.” During their retirement years in Florida, he referred to her as “Super Grandma” and “Amazing Grace.”
Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Carmine in 2009 after 59 years of marriage. Grace is survived by her sons Michael (Lynn), Richard (Patricia), James (Gilda), and Ed (Christina). She was predeceased by her daughter, Linda (Kenneth Powers). Grace also leaves behind ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who will remember her as a loving grandmother and aunt whose legacy will continue to inspire them.

Arrangements will be at the convenience of the family. Grace’s memory will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.