Irene Lillian Chirco

Irene Lillian Chirco, 76, of Ridge, NY passed away peacefully on Wednesday March 14, 2018 after a brief and unexpected cancer diagnosis. Irene was born September 23, 1941 in Brooklyn, NY to Eugene and Helen Roos. Her family lived in Brooklyn until they moved out to 'the country' of Bellport, NY. It was there that she developed many lifelong friendships.After graduation from Bellport High Irene embarked on a career in the banking business working as a teller; a job she enjoyed immensely. Soon after she married Joseph Chirco and they settled in Centereach, NY where they began their life together.It didn't take long before Irene grew to love and embrace the Italian heritage that the Chirco's so lovingly welcomed her into. She grew especially close to her in-laws learning many valuable life lessons from each of them. Her mother in law, Mary, taught her how to cook like a 'real' Italian, including Nana's famous sauce recipe. Her father-in-Law, Louis, shared his love of gardening and family. Two children made Irene's life complete; her daughter, Lisa then son, Louis who brought great joy to her life. She supported every dream they ever had and was always their biggest cheerleader. They spent many summers enjoying the beach, vacationing in various places including a once-in-a lifetime cross-country trip that spanned an entire summer where great family memories were made. Eventually, the family relocated to Rocky Point where they built a home on the golf course and enjoyed life.Irene returned to college taking night classes to fulfill her dream of earning a college degree. After many years of juggling school and family, Irene graduated with bachelor's degree from Suffolk Community College. Determined to earn her Master's Degree, Irene enrolled in Dowling College where she received her degree in Mental Health counseling. It was a proud moment in her life. Through the years Irene put her educational skills to good use working in a variety of jobs. Her most fulfilling work was as a Mental Health Counselor for young women working to overcome substance abuse at St. Charles Hospital inpatient program. To some, these young ladies were patients, but to Irene they were 'her girls'. She was passionate about her work.As her children grew to start families of their own, Irene's circle of love grew immensely to embrace a son in law, Matt and daughter in law, Marlene. She took pride in the fact that her children chose good companions. Matt's strength and character helped Irene feel comfort knowing her daughter was safe and happy living so far from home. She referred to Marlene as her other daughter; her angel and someone who always watched over her. Plus the added bonus that they loved their casino outings together.Without a doubt, Irene's greatest pride and joy was her family and her three grandsons were the light of her life. Tyler (21), Connor (18) and Justin (16) knew that 'Grammy Circle' as she was affectionately called, was their confidant and friend, not just a grandmother. They each had their own special relationship with her.As with many families, life can get complicated and although Joe and Irene divorced, they remained friends and shared many family gatherings. Joe brought Mary into the family and Mom and Mary became fast friends enjoying their wine and chats together. She considered Mary an important part of her family.Anyone who was lucky enough to know Irene was blessed in countless ways. She never met a stranger and was a good listener to all who needed a friend. She loved her books, black and white ice cream sodas, the beach, her 4 o'clock happy hour, her friends and especially her family. Irene is survived by her former husband and close friend, Joseph Chirco (Mary DiDonato); Daughter: Lisa Marie (Matthew) Clancy of Beaufort, SC, Son: Louis, (Marlene) Chirco of Center Moriches, NY and Grandsons Tyler Clancy, Connor Clancy and Justin Chirco Reposing at Branch Funeral Home of Miller Place 551 Route 25A Miller Place, NY 11764.Visitation; Sunday March 18, 2018 from 2 - 4 PM & 7 - 9 PM.Funeral Service at Branch Funeral Home 10 AM Monday March 19thInterment to follow at Holy Sepulchre 3442 Route 112 Coram, NY 11727Special thanks to the loving staff at The Kanas Center, part of East End hospice who served Irene in her final days.In lieu of flowers, Irene's family would invite you to consider a donation to one of these worthy organizations: 1.) East End Hospice; Kanas Center https://www.eeh.org/ways-to-give/donate/?tab=Donate&designation=Kanas+Center2.) NAMI National Association of Mental Illness https://ifundraise.nami.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=503&referrer=WEBINT&utm_source=homepage&utm_medium=interstitial&utm_campaign=1in5www.branchfh.com