Kay Proscia
10/18/2021
The hands of Jesus reached out for Kay Proscia on October 18, 2021. She was at home with her loving family and her daughter, Karen, who held her hand on this side of heaven. She was 97 years old.
Born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on February 22, 1924, Caterina “Kay” Tumminia was the first of five children of Nicolo and Elvira (Restivo) Tumminia.
When WWII broke out, her sweetheart, Joe Proscia, was drafted into the army. In 1943, while Joe was stationed in Camp Atterbury, they were married by the Mayor of Indiana. In 1945, when Joe made it home from serving in Patton’s III Army, they had a huge church wedding.
Kay became an extremely skilled seamstress on coats and dresses for many years, but she had a heartfelt desire to finish her schooling and attend college. Psychology and mental health always fascinated her. Kay decided to pursue her interest by attending Kingsborough College. After graduating with “Phi Theta Kappa” honors, she was an assistant occupational therapist at the “Brooklyn School for Special Children.” Kay was committed to helping children both young and old to reach their potential. Whether it was to help train them for employment, or to care for themselves, she dedicated herself to the mission. Kay would always say that this was one of life’s most rewarding accomplishments. She felt like she completed her task.
In 1988, after living in Brooklyn all of her life, Kay moved to Warwick with her husband and her family. Sadly, after being married for 47 years, Joe passed away in 1990. Longing to make friends and to be involved in the community, Kay joined the Golden Seniors Club. Shortly thereafter, she was elected as Club Secretary. Kay was also the former president of the AARP Warwick Chapter #337, where she was very active arranging activities, speakers and trips. Her desire was to give seniors the opportunity to visit interesting places… Everyone enjoyed themselves and that was another mission accomplished for Kay.
Kay is survived by her daughter, Karen Giammarino and her husband Joseph of Warwick, NY; granddaughter Noelle Giammarino of Bloomingburg, NY; and brother, Francesco Paolo “Paul” Tumminia of Charlotte, NC. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Proscia, and her siblings: Gaetana “Diane” Cardile, Filippo “Philip” Tumminia and Nicholas “Nicky” Tumminia.
The family will receive friends for visitation at Calvary Baptist Church, 5 Wisner Rd, Warwick, NY on Friday, October 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning, October 23, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. A “Celebration of Life” Service will be held at the church at 11:00 a.m. At 12pm, an interment will follow the service in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Pine Island, NY. Directly afterward, a time of food and fellowship will be held at Calvary Baptist Church.
For those who like to make a donation in Kay’s memory, please go to https://mychoicepcc.com
Calendar of Care
At the time of funeral service we commemorate and reflect on the life
of Kay Proscia. In the days, weeks and months ahead it will be a
comfort to family of Kay Proscia to continue to remember a life well lived.
Please select a date on the Calendar of Care to be reminded via email to reach out and continue the caring for family of Kay.
Please wait...
Please wait...