Irene Ann Esposito

Irene Ann Esposito, a proud lifelong resident of the Bronx and Scarsdale, NY, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on July 14, 2024 at the age of 88.

Irene was born on May 11, 1936 to Anthony and Caroline Donniaquo. Although born in New York City, she moved to the Pelham Bay neighborhood in the Bronx at the age of 2. Her parents owned a produce market on Buhre Avenue where she frequently stayed after school. She grew up with two sisters, Josie and Rosie, who she remained close with throughout their lives. A love of family and fresh Italian food was instilled in Irene from a young age. She graduated from Cathedral High School in Manhattan, NY. Irene worked in retail for over 25 years and specialized in hardware.

Irene married Salvatore “Sal” Esposito, her beloved husband of 44 years, in 1957. Irene was deeply devoted to her two children, Thomas and Carol. Irene raised her children with the same kindness and generosity that she herself possessed in abundance.

Irene excelled in cooking and baking: pasta with “gravy” and Italian sesame cookies were two family favorites. In her free time, she loved crocheting, watching television classics, particularly “I Love Lucy,” completing puzzles, and spending time with her grandchildren. She lived a life rooted in faith and never missed church on Sunday. In her later years, she enjoyed spending time with friends at her local senior center.

Irene was predeceased by her parents, husband Salvatore, sisters Rose Pacella (Angelo) and Josephine Lelia (John). She will forever be remembered by her surviving family: her daughter Carol Gandle (Larry), son Thomas Esposito (Juliann), and grandchildren Cassandra Gandle (Noah), Lauren Gandle (Ian), Alexa Allen (Blair), Bianca Esposito (Austin Hardin), as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Irene’s family requests donations to be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, an organization that Irene donated to annually.