Rosalia Zona, 'Queen Of Huntington,' Dead At 108

HUNTINGTON STATION, NY — Rosalia Maria Zona, of Huntington Station, died on Aug. 5 at the age of 108. She was born June 17, 1912 in Hell's Kitchen, New York, according to Legacy.com.

She was the beloved daughter of Edvidge Gruppo and Rinaldo Zona. Loving mother of Sarah Havlicek, Raymond Havlicek, John Havlicek, Philip Havlicek, as well as the late Franklin Havlicek. She leaves behind her house-mate - caregiver, Mary Ann Romano as well as her little home in Huntington Station, where she resided for 49 years.

Zona died in Huntington Hospital after battling a blood and heart infection, Newsday reported.

She was known as the "Queen of Huntington," according to Huntington Now. She celebrated her birthday on June 28 with a short parade thanks to help from family and friends, as Town officials, including Supervisor Chad Lupinacci, the Huntington Manor Fire Department and others drove past her home, Huntington Now reported.

Zona was born two months after the Titanic sank, lived through the Great Depression, two World Wars, the moon landing, the civil rights movement and many technological advancements, according to the Town.

"Rosalia is a role model for all of Huntington," Lupinacci said at Zona's 107th birthday party at Jonathon's Ristorante in 2019. "I am honored to have been invited to an event for someone so special, and she is a fantastic singer too."

Zona launched a modeling career at the age of 14, then attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, earning an associates' degree in advertising and communication, according to the Town's website.