July 17, 1927 – August 10, 2026

Cecilia Jean Vnook DiNapoli, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and devoted matriarch of her family, passed away on August 10, 2026, at the age of 99.

Cecilia was born on July 17, 1927, in Oyster Bay, New York, to Mary and Joseph Vnook. Proud of her Polish heritage, she carried the traditions of her family throughout her life and created many more of her own.

Family was at the heart of Cecilia’s life. She was a devoted wife and mother whose greatest joy came from caring for the people she loved and bringing her family together. Many of the family’s most cherished memories were made around her table. Cecilia was known for her amazing Polish and Italian cooking, especially the fried dough she made on Sunday mornings and her spaghetti sauce prepared each Sunday for family dinner. These meals became traditions that generations of her family will always remember.

Cecilia’s Catholic faith was also an important part of her life. She taught CCD at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church and St. Gregory Catholic Church and faithfully served both parishes by bringing Holy Communion to the sick and to those who were unable to attend Mass. Her commitment to caring for others extended into her community, where she also worked as a school crossing guard and became a familiar and beloved presence to the children and families she encountered.

Cecilia was preceded in death by her husband, John DiNapoli; her daughter, Maria Perez; her parents, Mary and Joseph Vnook; her brothers, Stan, Adolf, Eddie, and Julian; and her sisters, Mary, Adele, Evelyn, Pearl, and Helen.

She is survived by her daughter, Catherine DiNapoli; her son, Vincent DiNapoli and his wife, Naomi; her grandchildren, Andrea Buzzo, Rachel Marshall, Catherine Perez, Nick DiNapoli, and Jeff Myers; her great-grandchildren, Alex, Jalyssa, Jada, Jimmy, and Colson; and her great-great-grandchildren, Atha and Archie.

Cecilia leaves behind 99 years of memories and a family forever shaped by the love, traditions, faith, and sense of togetherness she created. Her recipes will be made again, her traditions will be carried forward, and the stories and laughter shared around her table will remain part of her family for generations to come.

She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed.