Maria Milito

Born Maria Lopriore in Bensonhurst, she graduated from New Utrecht High School there. She moved to Staten Island 36 years ago.

Mrs. Milito had been working as a bus matron for Atlantic Express for seven years. She enjoyed working with students with special needs.

She most loved spending time with her family, and also enjoyed dancing.

"She knew that love was the breath of life," said her son, Anthony Jr. "She continued to make friends until she passed and was amazed by the love and prayers she received. She'll be missed sorely."

Mrs. Milito's husband of 34 years, Anthony Sr., died in 2006.

Surviving, along with her son, Anthony, are her son, Michael; her daughter, Angela Granier, and four grandchildren.

The funeral will be Monday from the Casey-McCallum-Rice South Shore Funeral Home, with a mass at 9:45 a.m. in St. Clare's R.C. Church, both in Great Kills. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains.