Visiting Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 3-8pm at Torregrossa Funeral Home, 1305 79th St, Brooklyn, NY 11228
Funeral Mass Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 10:30 am at St. Dominic’s Church, 7413 20th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11204
Entombment at Green Wood Cemetery, 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232
The family of Maria D’Alessandro is deeply saddened to announce the passing of their beloved mother and grandmother on May 19, 2026, at the age of 101, from natural causes while surrounded by her loved ones.
Maria was born on December 19, 1924, in Mola di Bari, Italy, to Sebastiano Santoro and Antonia Giustino. In 1962, she and her husband uprooted their family to Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, seeking a better life for themselves and their five children. There, Maria honored her Italian heritage while working tirelessly as a seamstress and caring for her home and family. As a devoted Catholic, she taught her children the values of respect, tradition, and putting family first.
In 1972, tragedy changed her life forever when her beloved husband, Giovanni, passed away unexpectedly, leaving Maria to raise their five children on her own. Through strength, determination, and with the support of her three eldest children, she persevered and devoted herself completely to her family.
Maria found joy in life’s simple pleasures of a cup of espresso every morning and perhaps a glass of Fortissimo wine with dinner. She loved tending to her vegetable garden and nurturing the beautiful geraniums she planted each year, which somehow bloomed well into December. Nothing brought her greater happiness than visits from her children and grandchildren, especially when she could serve them her famous polpetti (meatballs).
At the age of 90, Maria became an avid fan of basketball star Stephen Curry and loved watching the Golden State Warriors win championships. She was also a devoted fan of the New York Mets and attended her very first baseball game at the age of 94 alongside her children and grandchildren.
Maria was predeceased by her loving husband, Giovanni; her son, Leonardo; and her daughter, Grazia (Franco DeSilvio). She is survived by her children Sebastian (Frances), Antoinette (Christopher Schielein), and Anthony (Linda); her cherished grandchildren Gianfranco (Maria), John Anthony (Brenna), Marc, Lauren, John Joseph, Sabrina, and Michael; and her adored great-grandchildren Francesco and Antonella, along with many nieces and nephews.
Though her physical presence is no longer with us, Maria’s light, strength, and boundless love will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
For more information call Scotto Funeral Home at 718-875-2515
Our deepest condolences to the D’Alessandro Family. We remember Maria with her encouraging smile despite a number of setbacks including the loss of her son Nardo (Leonardo), a longtime friend.
We will pray for her & her 100+ years on earth.
My sincerest condolences for
The passing of Maria.
I was not aware until my brother told me. For some reason he received the notice and assumed I knew. It is always fascinating to me to learn the history of those who migrated from Mola during the peak years of the late 50s to the mid 70s. Your mothers’ saga is worthy of a book…and most of
Us think we have a tough life! Please convey my sentiments – I am truly in awe of what your
Mother accomplished. As is said, your family comes from good stock and you all are proof.