Sister Dominica Mary Rocchio, Sister Regina Seton, entered eternal life in the 63rd year of commitment as a Sister of Charity of New York on February 10, 2025, in NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital.
Sister Dominica was born on October 10, 1938, in Manhattan. She was one of three children, two daughters and one son, of Anthony and Antoinette Santoro Rocchio. Dominica attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School and Saint Jean Baptiste High School, both in Manhattan. After graduation, she enrolled at Fordham University, majoring in English and earning a BS in Secondary Education. Dominica entered the Sisters of Charity of New York on September 8, 1962.
Sister Dominica earned an MA in religious education from Fordham University, an MA in English from Manhattan College, a Professional Diploma in Administration and Supervision, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration, both from Fordham University. New York state awarded her Permanent Certification as a teacher of English, as a school principal, and as a school district administrator. The state of New Jersey awarded her Permanent Certification in School Administration.
Sister Dominica dedicated 57 years of active ministry to the fields of education and Congregation leadership. She taught Religion and English on the high school level at Saint Barnabas in the Bronx, Academy of the Resurrection in Rye, All Saints Branch of Cathedral in Manhattan, and Saint Joseph by-the-Sea in Staten Island. She became dean of students at Saint Joseph by-the-Sea and, later, at Saint Gabriel High School in New Rochelle. In 1980, Sister Dominica began 26 years of diocesan educational administration. She served as associate superintendent of Secondary Schools for the Archdiocese of New York, and later as superintendent of schools and secretary for education for the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. She was a consultant to the United States Bishops Committee on Education, Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, Board of the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA), and a trustee on high school and college boards, including the Board of the University of Mount Saint Vincent.
Sister Dominica received several awards for her extraordinary contributions and high professional standards in Catholic education. Among them the Koob Award presented by NCEA and a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from Seton Hall University in New Jersey.
In 2007, Sister Dominica began her service of leadership in the Congregation. She served two terms as a regional coordinator and one term as assistant to the president.
Sister Dominica, we rejoice with you as you enter your eternal home and are welcomed into the arms of a loving God. Well done, good and faithful friend. Be at peace.
Wake: Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, 9-10:30 a.m. Prayer Service at 10 a.m. Chapel of the Immaculate Conception University of Mount Saint Vincent
Livestream link: https://venue.streamspot.com/ca093c2a
Mass of Christian Burial:
Thursday, February 13, 10:45 a.m.
Chapel of the Immaculate Conception University of Mount Saint Vincent
Livestream link: https://venue.streamspot.com/ca093c2a
Interment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery
10 W Stevens Ave.
Hawthorne, NY 10532