Kathleen F. Affenita

Kathleen F. Affenita, beloved pre-school teacher and cherished family member, passed away on August 1, 2025, at the age of 78 in Riverhead, New York. Born on September 1, 1946, in Queens, New York, Kathleen dedicated her life to nurturing young minds during her tenure at the United Methodist School Pre-school in Lake Grove, New York. Her commitment to education was evident in the warmth and care she extended to each child, shaping their early years with kindness and understanding.

Kathleen is survived by her loving husband, Ralph, and their children, Matt Affenita and Allison Sasso. She instilled in them values of compassion and perseverance, which will resonate through generations. She was further survived by her grandchildren: Kayla, Holly, Sam, Evan & Samantha, who brought immense joy to her life.  Kathleen's legacy is one of devotion—not only to her family but also to her students, whose lives were touched by her dedication and passion for teaching.

The visitation services for Kathleen F. Affenita will be held on August 5, 2025, at the Mangano Family Funeral Home of Middle Island, located at 640 Middle Country Rd, Middle Island, NY. The first visitation will commence at 2:00 PM and conclude at 4:30 PM, followed by an additional visitation from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM. A funeral mass will be held for Kathleen at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary R.C. Church in Centereach, NY, commencing at 10:00AM. Following the mass, family and friends will proceed to Calverton National Cemetery, where Kathleen will be laid to rest.

Kathleen will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering support, and her ability to bring joy to those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will forever inspire her family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know her.