It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Melinda V. LiBassi. She died peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 21, 2025 at the age of 82. A native Staten Islander, Melinda resided in Stapleton, West Brighton and New Dorp, before becoming a resident of Grymes Hill in 1985. A graduate of Curtis High School, Melinda was the first in her family to pursue a higher education, graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from Wagner College and a Master's of Science in Elementary Education from the former Richmond College. She was a dedicated teacher at P.S.30, Westerleigh, for 32 years, who fostered a love of reading to countless students over the course of her career. Melinda was a pillar in the Staten Island community. She was a member of the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society of Women in Education, Wagner College Leonardo DaVinci Society, the American Committee on Italian Migration, and Casa Belvedere as well as numerous other organizations where she volunteered her time. She enjoyed traveling all over the world and vacationing at residences in Englewood, Florida and Asbury Park, New Jersey. "Despite all her accomplishments, my mother always said that her greatest joy in life was being a mother and grandmother. She loved us fiercely and we loved her just the same and always will," said her daughter, Andrea Herdin. Melinda was predeceased by her parents Anthony Ferragano and Linda Renzi Ferragano-Venditti. Besides her daughter, Andrea, Melinda is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Joseph; her grandchildren, Robert and Natalie Herdin; her son-in-law Kevin; a sister, Brenda Kera; and her brother, Raymond Ferragano and his wife Eileen. Per Melinda's wishes, a private funeral service was held at Matthew Funeral Home on March 1, 2025 followed by a private entombment at Moravian Cemetery. In Melinda's memory, please consider donating to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.