Obituary of Anna Casale

Anna Casale, 96, of Staten Island, New York, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026. Born on October 29, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey, Anna Speranza (Hope) Urciuoli, was one of nine children growing up in a big Italian Catholic family.

As a young girl, and tomboy, Anna moved to Brooklyn. She graduated Sarah J. Hale High School and studied sewing, though her natural business sense led her to a career as a bookkeeper at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. There, she enjoyed meeting many of the notable figures and celebrities.

She loved dancing at Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan and local dance halls, winning numerous competitions with her brothers as her dance partners. She also loved swimming and the ocean, a regular at Coney Island from a young girl to her adult years. She loved playing 500 Rummy and visited Atlantic City often with her friends and siblings. 

She met her husband, Biagio Casale, at a church dance and built a beautiful life with five children. She was passionate and devoted to her faith and her family above all else, and her greatest joy was spending time with them, during Sunday dinners, family gatherings, holidays, and vacations. Her warmth, strength, and unwavering love created a lasting legacy that will continue through generations.

After raising her family in Canarsie Brooklyn, she moved to Staten Island where she attended daily Mass and participated in the rosary society for over 20 years at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church. 

She is survived by her children, Robert Casale, AnnMarie Carlotti (Thomas Bennett), Donna Arce (Steven Arce), and Diane Casale-Giannola; her daughter-in-law, Carol Casale; her twelve grandchildren, Ben, Julia, Robert, Lucy, Lauren (Robert Alessi), Diana, Stephen, Jacqueline, Christopher, Victoria (Nicholas Serra), Christian, and Francesca; and her great granddaughers, Kendall and Kristi.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Biagio Casale, son, Anthony Casale, Daughter in-law,  Deirdre Casale, and great granddaughter, Giavanna Jean. 

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 16 Poplar Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10309, followed by interment at Ocean View Cemetery.

Anna will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, deep faith, personal strength, hard work, and love and devotion to her family. Her life was a beautiful example of devotion, resilience, and love.

Donations can be made to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital or the March of Dimes.