Obituaries/Services

Visitation:

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

3:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm

Mass of Christian Burial:

Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 9:30 am

Basilica of Regina Pacis

Brooklyn, NY

Interment:

Resurrection Cemetery

Staten Island, NY

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Ann Picarello, beloved daughter of the late John Picarello and Concetta Picarello (D’Onofrio), passed away after a difficult final chapter in her life. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter and love.

To everyone who loved her, she was simply Annie.

Annie was the devoted sister of the late Sandra LaRosa and a beloved niece of Jean D’Onofrio. She was a cherished aunt to Sandra’s five children: Thomas Cala and his wife Christine; John Cala and his wife Susan; Jude Pelonero and her husband Michael; Michael Cala and his wife Celeste; and Sandra Pellegrini and her husband Anthony. She was also a beloved great-aunt to the next generation of the family.

Annie grew up on 72nd Street. If you spent time around 13th Avenue, chances are you knew Annie or helped her cross the street. She made her rounds throughout Dyker Heights, Bay Ridge & Bensonhurst, visiting OTB, Jimmy’s Place, Krispy Pizza and Mike’s Coffee Shop. Annie knew everyone, and everyone knew Annie.

Life was not easy for Annie. She faced challenges that many people could never understand, but she never pitied herself or asked anyone else to pity her. Instead, she focused on the things she loved: her dogs, Benji and Girl, good food, especially donuts, movies, music and dancing. She also had plenty of boyfriends over the years.

Annie was kind, but no one should have mistaken that kindness for weakness. She told you exactly how it was, whether you liked it or not. If you crossed someone in her family, especially “Sister,” look out. Her brother-in-law, Mike Cala Sr., used to say, “The fox that got Annie got away.” Anyone who knew her understood exactly what he meant.

Annie loved her family, constantly asked how everyone was doing and worried about other people. She was full of compliments and had a way of making people feel good about themselves.

Annie and her sister drove each other crazy at times, but their bond was unbreakable. They spent countless hours together, eating takeout from B&A or L&B’s and watching their shows, especially General Hospital. When her sister Sandra passed away in 2023, a part of Annie went with her.

We know Annie is now reunited with her parents and her sister, and we can picture her with Sandra again, calling her “Sister.” We hope you are finally at peace and dancing again, Annie. We love you and will miss you forever. There will never be another Annie.