Marguerite Accardo

Marguerite (Zipprich) Accardo spent her last days on this earth surrounded by those closest to her and passed away on January 23, 2024 with her family by her side.

Marguerite was born November 18, 1949 to Francis and Margaret Zipprich. She was a lifelong resident of Staten Island, NY and a graduate of the former St. Louis Academy.

Her early years were filled with adventures in the woods of Great Kills playing with neighborhood children who would become her lifelong friends. She often reminisced about childhood fun with her siblings and cousins and shared stories of the menagerie of pets and animals she and her family cared for.

Marguerite met the love of her life, Matthew (Matty) Accardo in 1964. They married in 1969 and welcomed two children, Michele and Matthew. She taught her children the value of family and enduring friendships. She would later graciously welcome each of her children’s spouses, Joseph Sofo and Gillian Gandossi, as one her own. She showered her grandchildren Matthew and Lindsey Sofo with unconditional love, support and encouragement.

Detail oriented, Marguerite helped keep several businesses running smoothly. She shared her skills at the Ross A. Accardo Real Estate Agency and then for 26 years as the executive secretary at JTD Land Services for . During her time at JTD, she ventured into the realm of business ownership, taking on the role of co-owner for both Carousel Toys and Staten Island Toy Emporium.

Marguerite lived a full life to the age of 74. She loved fiercely and cared deeply. She had a creative and inquisitive mind and was engaged in the world around her. She was motivated by learning new things and had an exceptional eye for beauty. Marguerite had a wonderful sense of personal style in both dress and home decor. She created a warm and beautiful home environment with items old and new, cherishing the memories held within each unique treasure. She nurtured multitudes of green and flowering plants indoors and out. From houseplants to perennial beds, she nurtured plants year round, creating an ever evolving oasis and a welcoming environment for everyone. This included the neighborhood wildlife which she delighted in observing.

She found joy in being in the company of others and appreciated dining out and traveling with her husband, family and groups of friends from all seasons of her life. She relished opportunities to bring people to her home whether it was a visit over coffee or wine or a full house gathering she lovingly planned. The sounds of laughter often echoed throughout the house, especially during her Tree Trimming parties - a tradition that spanned more than 50 years.

Her passion for the Christmas season went hand in hand with her talent for selecting the perfect gift. She enjoyed outings and shopping expeditions most often when sharing them with her sister, daughter, daughter-in-law and friends. The gifts were outward expressions of her ability to understand what her loved ones needed or wanted, and were merely tokens of her tremendous love and care. Her generosity extended beyond the material. Those who received her carefully selected gifts all know that having Marguerite in their lives was a precious gift beyond any beautifully wrapped present. Her departure is a profound loss.

Marguerite was predeceased by her parents, Francis and Margaret Zipprich and brother Francis J. Zipprich. Her memory will be carried on by her beloved husband of nearly 55 years, Matthew Accardo, her daughter Michele (Joseph) Sofo, son Matthew (Gillian Gandossi) Accardo, grandchildren Matthew and Lindsey, sister Bernadette (Joseph) Rowan, brother Mark (Doreen) Zipprich, dozens of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and an amazing group of friends.

Visitation will be held at Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, New York, 10308 on Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 11 am at the Church of Saint Clare, 110 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, New York, 10308.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Marguerite’s giving spirit, kindly consider donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/ or Project Hospitality https://projecthospitality.org/