Marie Genchi

Former Aquebogue resident Marie Genchi died Aug. 31 at San Simeon by the Sound in Greenport. She was 96.

The daughter of Joseph and Josephine Sparta, she was born Oct. 15, 1919, in New Jersey.

As a teenager, Ms. Genchi left high school to help support her family by singing in minstrels and at local saloons, churches and Diamond Jim’s in New York City. She later worked for New York Eye Shield in Carlstadt, N.J., and became a sample maker of eyeglasses. During her employment, she worked on a pair of glasses for General Douglas MacArthur.

Family members said Ms. Genchi was very religious. She had great faith and loved singing the blues.

Predeceased by her husband, James, in 1993 and her son, Joseph, Ms. Genchi is survived by her three grandchildren, Julie DiCesare of Massachusetts, Bryan Ferretti of Point Lookout, N.Y., and Rachel Johnson of Aquebogue, and eight great-grandchildren.

The family received visitors Sept. 5 at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral service followed at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church in Riverhead. Interment took place at Calverton National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements were in the care of Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue.