Jean Vaccaro

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Jean is survived by her husband of 50 years, Robert Vaccaro, along with daughters Christine Vaccaro and Melissa (Joseph) Miggins; grandchildren Ruby Miggins, Luca Miggins and Francesca Miggins; and sisters Donna (John) Pignataro, Roxanne (James) LeRay, Michele (Thomas) Celestino and Maria (Robert) Valente.

The eldest of 5 daughters, Jean was born in White Plains, NY to Angelo and Rocco DeLucia and grew up in a lively home centered on family, food and festivities. After graduating Eastchester High School, she earned a BA and Masters of Spanish Literature from Fordham University. She then began a 34 year Spanish teaching career at Westlake High School in Valhalla, NY, where she was known for her dedication, rapport with students and inventive methods. Prior to getting married, Jean spent her summer vacations traveling through Europe in style. Throughout her career Jean received many commendations, including Teacher of the Year. Believing every teacher should always be learning, Jean was still enrolling in professional development courses even in the final few years of teaching.

Outside of the classroom, Jean’s favorite place was in front of the stove. Her passion, innovation and gift for cooking was well-known; always seeking exotic ingredients, unique flavors and new methods, Jean prepared restaurant-quality meals for her family each night.

Keeping her mother’s traditions alive, she loved hosting large extended family gatherings featuring old family Italian recipes - often with her own distinctive twist and using fresh ingredients from her husband’s garden whenever possible.

Despite facing health challenges in her retirement, Jean’s devout faith kept her going. She enjoyed doing charitable work for the church, seeking adventures with her husband and friends, having a book in her hand, and finding a hot slot machine. In the last years of her life, she found her greatest joy being Mimi to her grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 16 from 4pm-7pm at Bennett Funeral Home, Scarsdale, NY. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 17 at 10am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Scarsdale, NY. Entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.