Obituary of Albert Pico

Albert (Al) Pico of Staten Island, NY passed away peacefully on May 12, 2024, at Carmel Richmond Nursing Home at the age of 95. He was a veteran of the Korean War and proudly served for many years as an officer and detective in the New York Police Department.

Al was born on December 9, 1928, in Brooklyn, NY to his loving parents, Antonio and Jennie (nee Chiaradonna) Pico, both born in Italy. He was the eighth oldest of ten children, being predeceased by siblings Elvira Natoli, Madeline Mescia, Antoinette, Susan DellAngelo, Anna, Salvatore, Gerard, and Joseph. He is survived by his beloved sister Dolores Rigatti of Phillipsburg, NJ as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Manual Training High School in Brooklyn, Al served in the Merchant Marines and then the U.S Army during the Korean War as First Sergeant of the 131st Transportation Port Company. After discharge from the Army, Al was briefly employed at a brokerage firm on Wall Street before receiving his appointment to the NYPD on June 1, 1953. Al loved serving as one of New York's finest where he also was a delegate to the Police Benevolent Association, Columbia Association, and Holy Name Society during his long and honorable career. After retiring from the police force in 1979, Al worked in security for several Manhattan firms.

Al lived a fulfilling life with his beloved wife, Mary Mullins-Pico (d. April 11, 2024), originally of County Tipperary, Ireland. They enjoyed traveling and caring for their lovely Staten Island home where Al liked to cook, tend his roses, and take frequent dips in their pool where family and friends were always welcome. Al and Mary had great friendships with many neighbors who appreciated Al's easy-going and humorous nature. He was always quick to lend a hand or share his abundant wisdom when needed. As one neighbor comments, Al and Mary were "amazing people that made the neighborhood a much better place to live." Prior to marrying Mary, Al was predeceased by his first wife Mildred (nee Parlock).

Al valued his Italian heritage and had a strong Catholic faith. He and Mary were very involved at St. Roch's Church where he served as a parish trustee for several years and an usher at the ten o'clock Mass for decades.

Al Pico was an exceptional person, husband, and friend. His affable and kind nature touched many lives, and he will be greatly missed.

A viewing for Al will be held at Matthew Funeral Home on Sunday, May 19th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, May 20th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Roch's Roman Catholic Church followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations made in Al's name to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Meals on Wheels of Staten Island.