Ann Astarita 

Brighton: Passed away on May 6, 2022 at the age of 95. Predeceased by Murray, her husband of 69 years. She is survived by her children Lynn (Richard) Gatto, Michael (Chi Soo) Astarita, granddaughter Allison (Darby) Astarita, nieces, nephews, and a special cousin, Roslyn.

Born in 1926 to Sarah and Morris Bookholtz in Queens Village, NY, much of Ann’s depression era childhood was spent working with her parents and sister to help eke out a living in their newspaper distribution business. The humiliation she felt from having her young friends seeing her working, while they played, fueled her lifelong drive and determination to make a better life for herself and that of her family.

Ann met her soul mate, Murray at a USO dance in 1945. They married after the war and moved multiple times as Murray’s corporate career necessitated. Ann always worked outside the home. She had a strong desire to maintain her independence and an identity that was not based solely on that of her spouse. Ann was a lifelong ardent feminist. She fervently believed in, and supported women’s reproductive freedom, equal rights, and equal pay. Cooking was not her favorite thing to do and once when asked why she never served her young children broccoli, she retorted, “because it didn’t come in a can.”

Ann loved to shop, which she parleyed into her most proud professional achievement. She managed the new gift shop at Strong Hospital which became a shopping destination. She had a quick wit, liked to joke, and always looked for the positive in situations. Always fun to be around, Ann loved a good party, wedding, or Bar/Bat-Mitzvah. She and Murray traveled all over the world, but her fondest memories were of the many summers spent on the Jersey shore, surrounded by her family and friends.

Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, May10th at 11AM in the Temple Sinai Plot at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 10th from 4-7 PM at 21 Hawks View, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472.

For those wishing to make a donation in Ann’s memory, please consider Planned Parenthood, 114 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14605 Donate Online or the charity of your choice.