John Bligh
- Retired paraprofessional
- PS 60, Bulls Head, Staten Island
“OK, love ya.”
Those three words were said affectionately at the end of virtually every conversation by beloved retired paraprofessional Alba Juliano.
The school community at PS 60 in Bulls Head, Staten Island, is mourning the loss of Alba, who died of coronavirus days following her 73rd birthday.
After her career as a paraprofessional ended in 2015, Alba devoted her life to her family, especially her three granddaughters. She also was a supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Alba loved people and was genuinely interested in getting to know anyone she met. It came naturally to her to share a story and laughs with everyone. Since her passing, her family has received much support through social media — which is ironic since Alba preferred an old-fashioned landline phone to cellphones.
Her parents founded, owned and operated Pal Joey’s, an iconic pizzeria on Staten Island.
She is survived by her children Joseph Juliano, Janet Juliano-Buczek and Gina Juliano; her son-in-law Mark Buczek; her granddaughters Kaitlyn, Laura, and Gianna; her companion of 26 years, Gene Burgesse; her sister Addie Morton, a retired UFT para; and her ex-husband, John Juliano. She is reunited in death with her late son, John Juliano, and her son-in-law, Tommy N. Rigney.
Contributions in her memory can be made to St. Jude’s at giftfunds.stjude.org/AlbaJuliano.
My wife and I were just talking about Alba and ex John. We met this wonderful couple on our honeymoon in Puerto Rico / St. Thomas in 1969. We kept in touch and visited each other’s home every year and went out for dinner every year on our anniversary (we both got married on August 30, 1969). The last time we saw each other had to be 1993. Alba was a sweetheart of a person. Out of the blue, we wanted to call Alba and rehash old memories. Our deepest, deepest condolences. Vita and Robert Raimondi
Rest In Peace dear Alba! You were the sweetest person in the world! The Kelly Family sends their love and prayers to your family! Forever in our heats!!!!
– God bless her soul- sweet, sweet Alba- was lucky enough to have her as a para a couple of our years at PS 60- so helpful, loved the kids’ they all loved her- – my sister was once married to her cousin- so I was lucky to know their family and be with them, all the great cousins, at so many parties etc, back then- since I was like 13 yrs old– the greatest family you could ever know- God bless all of you- my deepest sympathy- Love, Annie (Mary Ann) Sonnergren. (Mary Lou’s sister)
May their departed soul rest in peace!
Deepest condolences to their family & friends!
My sincerest condolences and prayers go out to Alba,s Family, friends, colleagues and PS 60 school community.The hearts of all UFT members are heavy and we mourn with her loved ones today.
May she Rest In Eternal Peace.
Dear Cuz, the last text I sent you was on March 23 when you told me you just wanted to go home. We all prayed and asked the universe to send you the strength to beat this virus. We all wanted that for you and you had so much more to live for, but God took you from us and took away all your pain. Mommy still tells me every day she can’t believe you are gone. I remind her of the fun cousin lunches we had with you and Adeline You left everyone with loving memories and will never be forgotten. May you have eternal peace in heaven and look over us. One last time, Love Ya
Alba has earned her beautiful angel wings for serving our children! Rest in Eternity
Just such a sweet positive person. She will be missed by anyone who knew her. Fly with the angels Alba