Anita (Antoinette) Marinaccio, beloved mother, wife of late husband, Leonard Marinaccio, grandmother and great grandmother, and sometimes chef, passed peacefully, and surrounded by so much love, on August 5,2025.
Always welcoming with a smile and a laugh, she adored her family, and did everything in her power to make sure we all had a good life. She enjoyed nothing more than a cup of tea, reminiscing about old times, while sharing food and recipe ideas, and giving advice. She grew up in Bronx, NY, in a house filled with music and laughter. Her father, Charles Paciullo often had impromptu music gatherings as he played banjo/mandolin and harmonica with some of the finest local musicians. Anita, was an accomplished pianist, in her own right, playing solely by ear, in her own unique style. Even in her 90’s mom could sit down and play 20 songs straight through, just from memory.
She loved to tell the story of how she could have skipped two grades, in school, but her principal said they couldn’t follow through because she talked too much in class. Her school friends, however, loved her chatty, warm and engaging personality.
In her adult years, Anita was a loving, present, wife and mother, and also affectionately known as “The Cheesecake Lady” by the many gourmet restaurants, she baked for, providing a wide variety of amazing, and unforgettable, cakes and pies. She made the whole family promise never to share her “secret” cheesecake recipe. Her kitchen was usually where she chose to be, and upon entering mom’s house, our family was always enfolded in the aromas a proper Italian kitchen, where her food was made with such love.
The final period in Anita’s life included some dedicated, beautiful people from Hospice, who grew to love and care for her as we did. We want to thank, her nurse and angel, Meaghan Pine, who was her champion. Also, Hospice volunteer and mom’s “late in life best friend”, Susan Goldberg, along with social worker Trish Cina, Charlene, aide Tammy Lydon, and her neighbor, Bob. Additionally, we are grateful to the entire incredible staff at Hospice House in Hyde Park, who helped her leave this world pain free, and with dignity.
Anita is survived by Lisa Marinaccio-Chason, (favorite son-in law, Michael Chason) of Kingston, NY, Ginamarie Thibodeau of Colorado Springs, Co.
Additionally, her grandchildren, Jesse Chason (Cami Chason), Emily (Chason) Evans, (Beren Evans), Cristofer Thibodeau, and great grandchildren, Ronen Jay Chason, Troy Durham, Giuliana Thibodeau, Abel Thibodeau, and London Thibodeau.
Anita will be loved and missed forever by us all. She asked to be remembered with a smile and by treating your loved ones well.
Join the family! 
