STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Never one to be late, this super senior was among one of the earliest visitors to arrive when the Staten Island Zoo opened it’s doors back on June 10, 1936.
And because she had a lifelong connection to the North Shore cultural, in time Lucy DePeppo would become a docent at the West Brighton institution where she was placed in charge of exhibits and supervised arts and crafts for children.
What’s more, she has the distinction of being one of its longest-serving volunteers.
Lucy DePeppo received a Recognition Award from the Staten Island Zoo for her Dedication as the Queen of Crafts several years ago. (Courtesy/Staten Island Zoo)Staten Island Advance
In fact, Groundhog Day ceremonies — a special Zoo happening when Staten Island Chuck predicts an early or late spring — has always bore special meaning for Lucy.
Not only was it a thrill to be part of the happenings, but Feb. 2 is her birthday.
Lucy DePeppo cuts her birthday cake at the Staten Island Zoo several years ago. (Courtesy/Staten Island Zoo)Staten Island Advance
Born on Groundhog Day on 2/2/22, Zoo officials always saw fit to commemorate the occasion with a birthday cake in her honor.
And as of Monday, the “birthday girl” turned 104.
However, Lucy wasn’t able to be present at the Groundhog Day ceremonies, which were private this year because of the frigid weather, because of a broken hip.
At 103-year-old, Lucy DePeppo watches from the crowd at Groundhog Day 2025 at the Staten Island Zoo. Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)Jason Paderon
But she’s doing well and on the mend, currently undergoing rehabilitation in Carmel Richmond Health Care & Rehabilitation Center, and expected to be going home soon.
Lucy’s grandson commented jokingly that the Zoo cancelled the ceremonies because she wasn’t able to be present.
As an alternative, officials at the Staten Island Zoo created a special video as a way to wish Lucy a happy birthday.
BOROUGH PRESIDENT RECOGNIZES Lucy
Four years ago when Lucy rounded the century mark, Borough President Vito Fossella, impressed by her years of service, issued a proclamation declaring Feb. 2 as “Lucy DePeppo Day” on Staten Island.
Recognized as a fixture in the community, Lucy was also honored in 2005 as an Advance Woman of Achievement, because of her altruistic nature and longtime community service.
Woman of Achievement 2005 Lucy DePeppoStaten Island Advance
A dedicated worker who’s been in the work force since she was 12, at 104 she’s still a regular at the Zoo.
Lucy DePeppo applauds for her friend Beverly Neuhaus at the 2005 Women of Achievement luncheon.staten island advance
She also devotes her spare time to Richmond University Medical Center and Meals on Wheels, and as a full-time volunteer for a variety of groups. But chiefly at the West Brighton health care center, where she lived a life of selflessness, and made herself indispensable.
Woman of Achievement Lucy DePeppo, second from left, with from left, Virginia Allen, Mae Gagliano and Mayor Mike Bloomberg. (Staten Island Advance)Staten Island Advance
She also served as a volunteer in the city’s Foster Grandmother program operated by the Department for the Aging — and was once summoned to speak at an informative conference in Washington, D.C., where she gathered recruits for the organization.
Talk show host Regis Philbin gets a kiss from Lucy DePeppo as her fellow honorees Mae Gagliano, Emily Vallelong, Pearl Minsky and Virginia Allen look on at the 44th annual Women of Achievement award ceremony. (Staten Island Advance)Staten Island Advance
Lucy cared for “Boarder babies,” infants who remain in the hospital after they’re medically cleared for discharge because they’ve been abandoned, or because their parents are unable to care for them.
Lucy DePeppo receive her award with editor Brian Laline and publisher Caroline Diamond Harrison during the annual luncheon, Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomfield. (Staten Island Advance/Jin Lee)STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
She was a member of the Staten Island Bird Club, the Columbiettes, the AARP Randall Manor Chapter, of which she was a past president, and the Altar Rosary Society of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Benedicta R.C. Church, West Brighton.
Especially fond of knitting and crocheting, Lucy donates her creations to hospitals for newborn babies and to the elderly, to health care centers and to family members and friends.
In 1962 she joined the staff of the former Wilfred Beauty School, which had branches in St. George and New Dorp, in hopes of coming to the assistance of young adults in need.
A licensed beautician as a well as a licensed beauty teacher, she remained with the school for 25 years, retiring in 1987 as the school’s assistant manager and clinic manager.
During the same time, she was a hairdresser for Enrico Caruso
PERSONAL LIFE
Born in Manhattan, Lucy came to Staten Island’s Sunnyside as an infant, but she’s a longtime West Brighton resident.
The second oldest child of two immigrants from Bari, Italy, Joseph and Angela Indellicati, her father was a gateman at the New Dorp crossing of the former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
Lucy with her son, Vin DePeppo.Staten Island Advance
Lucy’s husband of 59 years, Vincenzo (James) DePeppo, died in 1999 at the age of 82.
He was the owner and operator of the former Rocky’s Tavern in West Brighton, where Lucy was a chef, and the former J.V. Liquors in Dongan Hills, before retiring in 1984.
She is the mother of Vincent (Vin) DePeppo, Jo-Ann Van-Tassel and Marie Tysoe, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren, who are scattered from New York to California.
Her recipe for longevity is to eat well. She especially enjoys broccoli rabe, calling it the miracle and one of the reasons why she’s still alive.
She also makes it a habit to eat lots of fresh fish, and emphasizes exercising as well.
Happy 104th birthday, Lucy!