Lydia Simone (née Castaldi), lovingly known as “Mama Kiki”, of Brooklyn, NY
passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, after a brief illness at the age
of 91. Daughter of Josephine and Giacinto Castaldi, she was born in Bronx, NY on
May 3, 1930. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Angels in Brooklyn upon
her death.

Lydia was a graduate of Our Lady of Guadalupe elementary school, Fort Hamilton
High School (Class of ‘47) and continued her education at St. John’s University
graduating with a BA in Languages and an MS in Education from Long Island
University. Throughout her 36 year career she taught in the NYC Public School
system as a Reading Specialist.

Lydia had a great love for her family and friends which showed in everything she
undertook, especially after her retirement. As an excellent cook, she often prepared
dinners and hosted celebrations with great love and enthusiasm. Throughout her
life, she was an avid reader, enjoyed travel and attended the theater and the opera.
Lydia is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie Simone-Mahaney and
Patrick J. Mahaney, Jr.; her five grandchildren, Stephen and his wife Kristina,
Eliana, Sophia, Patrick and Gianpaolo, as well as many loving nieces, nephews and
cousins. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Stephen Simone as well as her
brother, Frank and sister, Gloria.