The Passing of Adina Perullo
The recent passing of Adina Perullo at the age of 82 has deeply saddened her family, friends, and community. Born on March 14, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York to Italian immigrant parents, Adina lived a full life surrounded by loved ones in her hometown of Staten Island.
Adina met the love of her life, Mario Perullo, when she was just 18 years old. The two were married in 1962 and remained happily married for over 50 years until Mario's passing in 2015. Together they raised three children - Angela, Michael, and Sophia.
Family was everything to Adina. She cherished her role as a mother and homemaker, dedicating herself to creating a warm, loving environment for her family. Adina was famous among friends and family for her incredible Italian cooking. Her arancini, braciole, and pasta fagioli were in high demand at every gathering. She loved cooking for others and making sure everyone was well fed.
Adina was also well-known for her green thumb and passion for gardening. She could often be found tending to her vegetable garden and fruit trees. Adina took great pride in canning tomatoes, making sauce, preserving figs from her fig tree, and gifting her homemade goods to others. Her backyard was a haven thanks to her hard work and dedication to growing beautiful flowers and delicious fruits and vegetables.
In addition to spending time with her family and gardening, Adina enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, dinners out with friends, and volunteering at her local Catholic church St. Anns. She was a devout parishioner her whole life and found joy in giving back to the church community whenever possible.
Adina had an infectious smile, kind heart, and captivating storytelling ability that allowed her to connect deeply with others. She had a knack for making those around her feel comfortable and cared for. Adinas compassion, humor, and authenticity drew people to her and created many lifelong friendships.
Adina was preceded in death by her parents, Vincenzo and Maria; her loving husband Mario; and her siblings Giuseppe, Anna, and Lucia. She leaves behind her sister Rosa; children Angela (Matthew), Michael (Mary), and Sophia (Mark); grandchildren Isabella, Andrew, Nina, Giovanni, Marco, and Luca; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Devoted Mother
Those closest to Adina knew her above all as a dedicated, loving mother. She embraced motherhood fully after having her first child Angela in 1963. Adina then went on to have Michael in 1965 and Sophia in 1970. Her face would light up whenever she spoke of her children, and she was enormously proud of the adults they grew up to become.
Adina was always there for her children, through all of life's ups and downs. She offered guidance, comfort, laughter, and food - no matter what. Her son Michael recalls how his mother was always his biggest cheerleader, attending every one of his little league baseball games and celebrating each victory. She encouraged her children to follow their passions, lending support however she could.
As a mother, Adina strived to instill strong values in her children. She raised them in the Catholic faith, teaching the importance of God, family, and community. Adina led by example - modeling integrity, kindness, and the value of hard work. Her children remember her tireless efforts to give them the very best life possible.
Above all, Adina showered her family with love. She was affectionate, protective, and always concerned for her children's well-being. They never doubted her unwavering love. That profound bond and comfort remains even now as they mourn the loss of their beloved matriarch.
Life in Staten Island
Adina spent almost her entire life as a proud Staten Islander. She was born and raised in the borough to immigrant parents from Naples, Italy. After marrying Mario Perullo, also a lifelong Staten Islander with Italian roots, they settled down in the Randall Manor neighborhood where they would remain for decades, raising their family.
Randall Manor provided the ideal community environment for the Perullos. Neighbors looked after one another, children played safely outside, and there was a real sense of belonging. Adina quickly formed close friendships with other young moms on the block. Their children grew up together. It was the quintessential suburban lifestyle.
Over the years, Adina saw the neighborhood evolve and change but she continued to love Randall Manor. When her children were grown, she welcomed and doted on her grandchildren there. She also reveled in witnessing all the new young families moving into the neighborhood she held so dear.
Adina was proud to give back to her community by volunteering at nearby St. Anns Church and other local organizations. She enjoyed supporting causes and people who enriched the neighborhood. An active member of the Randall Manor Chamber of Commerce and other groups, Adina consistently showed up to improve her little corner of Staten Island.
In her later years, Adina still faithfully attended weekly mass at St. Ann's with her family and close girlfriends who she had known for decades. She was devoted to both her faith community and the place she was fortunate to call home for over 60 years.
Cooking Up Memories
For Adina Perullo, cooking was love. Nothing made her happier than feeding her family, friends, and anyone else who stepped through her front door. The mouthwatering aromas of simmering tomato sauce, frying meatballs, and fresh baked bread often emanated from her Staten Island kitchen.
Adinas recipes and cooking skills reflected her Neapolitan heritage. She learned from her mother and grandmother, who were exceptional Italian cooks. Adina mastered classics like chicken parmesan, shrimp scampi, and baked ziti, putting her own creative spin on each dish.
Holidays and special occasions with Adina inevitably involved feasts around her dining room table. At Christmas, she pulled out all the stops with seafood salad, stuffed artichokes, pasta con le sarde, and endless platters of Italian cookies. Sundays featured leisurely family dinners with wine, laughter, and her famous slow-cooked rag.
Beyond the food itself, it was the love, effort, and hospitality Adina put into each meal that meant so much. She expressed her affection through cooking. Offering a heaping plate of lasagna or handing over jars of her homemade tomato sauce to new parents were Adinas way of welcoming others into her heart.
In the months since her passing, Adinas family has continued her tradition of gathering around the dinner table. Recipes and stories are shared as they cook favorite dishes that evoke memories of the remarkable woman who brought so much joy into their lives.
A Lasting Legacy
Although Adina Perullo may no longer be present physically, the legacy she leaves behind continues to impact all those who were fortunate enough to know her. The values she instilled, the care she gave, and the bonds she nurtured will be carried forward by her family for generations.
Adinas deep Catholic faith, strength, and work ethic live on through her children and grandchildren. She exemplified integrity, compassion, and loving generosity - qualities emulated by those whose lives she touched. The wit, wisdom, and fire that defined Adina can still be felt through the words, recipes, and stories retold about her.
Perhaps most importantly, the unconditional love that Adina showered so freely continues to be passed down. Her family recall feeling genuinely accepted, supported, and valued by Adina throughout their lives. By sharing that same grace and devotion with their own loved ones, her legacy endures.
While sadness at her loss remains fresh, solace can be found in the fact that Adina Perullo lived life to the fullest surrounded by those she cared for most. The imprint she left ensures her spirit will continue nourishing future generations. Adina remains, as she always was, profoundly loved.
FAQs
Where was Adina Perullo from?
Adina Perullo was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. She was the daughter of Italian immigrants and lived her whole life in the Randall Manor neighborhood of Staten Island where she raised her family.
When did Adina Perullo pass away?
The details of Adina Perullo's passing are not provided in the obituary article. However, it does state she lived to the age of 82 before her death.
What was Adina Perullo best known for?
Adina Perullo was best known for her Italian cooking, especially dishes that reflected her Neapolitan heritage. She was also known as a dedicated mother and gardener who took great pride in caring for her vegetable garden and fruit trees.
What values did Adina Perullo instill in her children?
The obituary notes that Adina Perullo raised her three children - Angela, Michael, and Sophia - with strong Catholic faith and values. She instilled the importance of family, community, integrity, kindness and hard work.
How many grandchildren did Adina Perullo have?
Adina Perullo had six grandchildren - Isabella, Andrew, Nina, Giovanni, Marco, and Luca. She cherished being a grandmother and creating many special memories with her grandchildren in her later years.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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