BIOGRAPHY

Nicolina Accinni was born in Rockville Centre, New York, USA, on 23 February 1909, to parents Francesco “Frank” Bernardo (1880–1948) and Pasqualina “Lena” Supino (1883–1967). She grew up in a large family of 10 girls and three boys, where she was the third oldest. The two of her sisters were: Antoinette Sarno (1906–2003) and Carrie R. Bernard (1918–2013). The daughters worked tirelessly, often helping in the yard by pulling weeds. Shoes were a rarity, only received when they started school.

At some point, she married Americo Francis Accinni (1907–1994). The couple had three sons. Following the Great Depression, she worked as a caretaker to ensure her children had food and clothing. Her husband contributed as a painter and floor waxer.

At the age of 78, she moved to Colorado with her youngest son, Robert, and lived there for about 10 years. After her oldest son, Frank, passed away from cancer at the age of 66, she relocated to senior living in Syracuse, where she had a close circle of friends. About a decade later, she found senior housing in Patchogue, where her middle child, Tom, could provide care. At 98, she faced health challenges, including infections and a broken hip that required rehabilitation. Eventually, she moved to Bellhaven Nursing Center.

At the age of 107, she remained healthy and active. Though her mobility had diminished, she used a wheelchair, propelling herself with her feet. She enjoyed Bible study sessions at the nursing center on Sundays. During her time in her senior apartment in Patchogue, she maintained a high degree of independence, cooking and managing her own space.

Nicolina Accinni passed away in Brookhaven, New York, on 3 February 2022, at the age of 112 years, 345 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Forget a cosmo, drink this” – The Long Island Advance, 25 February 2016

* Mrs Nicolina J. Bernardo Accinni – Find A Grave

GALLERY