Obituary of Veronica Picone Matuk

Whitestone, NY

Veronica, a resident of Whitestone, NY and Ringwood, NJ passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital. She was 77 years old. The daughter of Luigi Sementa Picone and Leonor Esther Buitrago Picone Jacobs. Veronica was born on March 8, 1948, in New York City.

A retired New York City school guidance counselor, Veronica Picone, M.S., was a state-certified psychotherapist specializing in family reconciliation and childhood trauma as well as an experienced facilitator in Family Constellation work. She was a distinguished spiritual retreat leader in the field of substance abuse recovery. As a conflict negotiator and veteran educational consultant, she has counseled thousands of families. Veronica was passionately dedicated to the labor of creating peace in the world, in the family, and in the individual. An accomplished pianist, a trained flamenco dancer, a dedicated member of community musical theater, Veronica is also the author of the highly acclaimed memoir TESORO, The Treasured Life of a Discarded Daughter.

Veronica is survived by her two daughters, four grandchildren, siblings Laura, Rosemarie, Alice, and David, cousins near and far, and her beloved Sean.

Veronica will be mourned by the very many people whose lives she touched in her magical and profound way. Her untimely death leaves a hole in the universe for many.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 10:30am at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 17 Pompton Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442.

Memorial contributions in Veronica Picone’s name may be made to The Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art. https://alumniandfriends.org/donation/

Funeral arrangements are honorably entrusted to Zygmunt-Murtie Funeral and Cremation Service - 845-977-6127 or visit www.zmmemorials.com.