A Rockville Centre woman marked a major milestone this month, celebrating a century of life surrounded by family and memories that has spanned generations.
Village resident MaryAnn Sherry celebrated her 100th birthday on June 5, marking a century defined by faith, family, hard work and a deep connection to the community she has called home for more than six decades.
Born in 1926 in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, Sherry was raised alongside her brother, Tony, by parents who instilled in her the values that would guide her throughout her life. Known for her kindness, warmth and strong faith, she built a life centered on family, service and relationships.
“The door was always open, she was always cooking,” said her daughter, Michelle Sherry Mosca. “They always had music going on. Everybody from the neighborhood came.”
Together with her husband, Frank, she made her home on Raymond Street in Rockville Centre, where they spent 65 years raising their six children — Denise, Debra, Robert, Michelle, Kristine and Johnny. Johnny died during the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, and Kristine died two weeks before Christmas in 2025.
“I worked hard, and I had a lot of sadness,” Sherry said. “But thank God I know they're going to a better place. God is taking care of them, and I'll be there with them soon.”
Sherry became a familiar face in Rockville Centre through the businesses she owned and operated with her husband. Family members said the couple opened what is believed to have been the village’s first pizzeria in the 1950s before later operating Sherry’s Pizzeria on Long Beach Road. They eventually expanded into the restaurant business with Sherry’s Casa Napoli in Baldwin.
As business owners and community members, the Sherrys built strong ties throughout the area, serving generations of residents and becoming well-known figures around town. Their reputation for hospitality extended beyond their businesses and into their home, where family gatherings often centered around food, music and celebration.
Outside of work, the Sherrys enjoyed entertaining and often worked as DJs at parties, church functions, veterans’ organizations and community events. Their connection to the community was so strong that they were even called upon to prepare a meal when Mother Teresa visited St. Agnes Cathedral.
Sherry also remained active in the community, attending services at St. Agnes, exercising regularly and spending time at many of her favorite local gathering spots. Friends and family described her as someone who never met a stranger and always enjoyed connecting with others.
“I was always working, so I was busy all the time,” she said. “And now I'm playing.”
Retirement did little to slow her down; at age 95, she began working as a hostess at Jordan Lobster Farms in Island Park.
“She didn't want to stop working because she's such a people person,” said her granddaughter, Lisa Lucchesi.
Among the sayings she is known for are: “Peacemakers are God’s children,” “You work hard, you play hard,” “If you don't use it, you lose it,” and “Every morning is a good morning when you wake up.”
Today, her family includes nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
