Obituary of Irma C. Vesco

Irma Vesco passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 24th, at the age of 93 surrounded by loved ones. Born on August 23rd, 1931, of Italian and Spanish heritage in Puerto Rico, Irma moved to Brooklyn, New York at the age of five, where she grew up and spent the vast majority of her remarkable life. She spent her final 32 years living in Staten Island, New York with her youngest daughter Marie Kennedy and her family.

Irma was the cherished wife of the late Benedict Vesco, who died in 1992. She is survived by her three devoted children: Ligia O'Grady, Anthony Vesco, and Marie Kennedy, along with Marie's husband, Steven Kennedy. She was predeceased by son-in-law Michael O'Grady and daughter-in-law Laura Vesco. Her legacy continues through her six beloved grandchildren and their spouses—Dina and Chris Spiess, Christopher and Cheryl Vega, Melissa and Phillip Latch, Steven and Amanda Kennedy, Alyssa and Max McDermott, and Peter and Amanda Kennedy—and 11 great-grandchildren, with a 12th expected in September.

Known affectionately as "Mem" by not just her grandchildren but by nearly everyone who had the joy of knowing her, Irma was a fierce yet endlessly loving woman. She welcomed all to her table with open arms and a full spread. An incredible cook, her Italian and Spanish meals were spectacular—her recipes have already made their way through multiple generations. She had a very specific (and effective) way of encouraging people to try her dishes—usually by making them feel just guilty enough to take a bite… and inevitably come back for more.

Irma had a long career in fashion retail, where her keen eye and sharp sense of style thrived. She never hesitated to offer honest—often brutally honest—fashion advice and delighted in surprising her family with clothes that matched the latest trends. She found joy in making others look and feel their best.

More than anything, Irma was a true matriarch. She presided over family gatherings, often at the head of a table packed with 25 or more relatives and friends. She created a home that was a hub for love, laughter, and legendary meals. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit and traditions live on in the family she nurtured and inspired.

The family is incredibly grateful for the years they had with Irma and for the love she shared so generously. She will be missed and cherished.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Irma.