Sister Theresa Gravino, Sister Dominica Maria, was born March 25, 1930, in the Bronx, , one of five children — three boys and two girls — of Michael and Minni De Monte Gravino. Theresa attended St. Raymond Elementary School in the Bronx and Cathedral High School in Manhattan before entering the Sisters of Charity of New York on September 7, 1947. Sister Dominica received a bachelor’s degree in Latin from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, a master’s degree in Latin from Fordham University, and a master’s degree in religious studies from Manhattan College. New York State awarded her permanent certification in Latin and in education for the deaf and hearing impaired.
Sister Theresa spent 49 years of active ministry in various fields of education. In her 11 years of elementary school teaching, she taught at St. John the Evangelist in White Plains, St. Brigid in Manhattan, and Sts. Peter and Paul in the Bronx. With her degree in Latin, she taught high school for 17 years at Holy Cross Academy in Manhattan, Academy of Mount Saint Vincent in Tuxedo Park, St. Barnabas, and Cardinal Spellman, both in the Bronx.
Sister Theresa’s 21 years in deaf education began as religious education coordinator at the New York Catholic Deaf Center. She later joined the staff at St. Joseph School for the Deaf in the Bronx. In retirement, she offered her services at neighborhood Catholic schools and St. Joseph School for the Deaf. In 2015, she joined the retirement community at Mount Saint Vincent Convent and in 2020 moved to Cabrini of Westchester in Dobbs Ferry. She entered eternal life on February 16, 2025, in the 78th year of commitment as a Sister of Charity of New York at St. John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers.
Sister Theresa’s name usually evoked two attributes: her beautiful singing voice and her devotion to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Her ministry for the deaf and hard of hearing grew from love of the faith and her compassionate heart. She recognized that religious instruction and participation in Mass in their “own language” were not readily available to this community. After obtaining a master’s degree in deafness education from New York University, she recruited volunteers and taught them to sign for Mass and classroom teaching. She initiated Mass for the deaf and hard of hearing every Sunday in different parts of New York. She saw a need and made herself available to fill it.
Sister Theresa, you were born on the day dedicated as the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, when Mary said “yes” to birthing God’s salvation in our world. Your “yes” to God throughout your life has brought grace to many. Go forth to the God who welcomes you home.
Wake:
Thursday, February 20, 9-10:30 am
Prayer Service at 10 a.m. (Livestreamed)
Mount Saint Vincent Convent
https://venue.streamspot.com/217aa3db
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, February 20, 10:45 am (Livestreamed)
Mount Saint Vincent Convent
https://venue.streamspot.com/217aa3db
Interment
St. Joseph Cemetery, 209 Truman Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10703