Sister Dominica received several awards for her extraordinary contributions and high professional standards in Catholic education. Among them the Koob Award presented by NCEA and a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from Seton Hall University in New Jersey.
Sister Dominica Mary Rocchio, Sister Regina Seton, was born October 10, 1938, in Manhattan. She was one of three children, two daughters and one son, of Anthony and Antoinette Santoro Rocchio. Dominica attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School and Saint Jean Baptiste High School, both in Manhattan. After graduation, she enrolled in Fordham University, majoring in English and earning a BS in Secondary Education. Dominica entered the Sisters of Charity of New York on September 8, 1962.
Sister Dominica earned an MA in Religious Education from Fordham University, an MA in English from Manhattan College, a Professional Diploma in Administration and Supervision and a Doctorate in Educational Administration, both from Fordham University. New York State awarded her Permanent Certification as a teacher of English, as a School Principal, and as a School District Administrator. The State of New Jersey awarded her Permanent Certification in School Administration.
Sister Dominica dedicated fifty-seven years of active ministry to the fields of education and Congregation leadership. She taught Religion and English on the high school level at Saint Barnabas in the Bronx, Academy of the Resurrection in Rye, All Saints Branch of Cathedral in Manhattan, and Saint Joseph by-the-Sea in Staten Island. She became Dean of Students at Saint Joseph by-the-Sea and, later, at Saint Gabriel High School in New Rochelle. In 1980, Sister Dominica began twenty-six years of diocesan educational administration. She served as Associate Superintendent of Secondary Schools for the Archdiocese of New York, and later as Superintendent of Schools and Secretary for Education for the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. She was a consultant to the United States Bishops Committee on Education, Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, Board of the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) and a trustee on high school and college boards, including the Board of the University of Mount Saint Vincent.
Sister Dominica received several awards for her extraordinary contributions and high professional standards in Catholic education. Among them the Koob Award presented by NCEA and a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from Seton Hall University in New Jersey.
In 2007, Sister Dominica began her service of leadership in the Congregation. She served two terms as a Regional Coordinator and one term as Assistant to the President.
Sister Dominica died in the sixty-third year of commitment as a Sister of Charity of New York on February 10, 2025, in New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital.
Sister Dominica, we rejoice with you as you enter your eternal home and are welcomed into the arms of a loving God. Well done, good and faithful friend. Be at peace.
Date of Death
February 10, 2025
Age
86
Wake
Thursday, February 13, 2025
9:00-10:30 a.m.
Prayer Service at 10:00 a.m. (Livestreamed)
Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
University of Mount Saint Vincent
venue.streamspot.com/ca093c2a
Funeral
Thursday, February 13, 2025
10:45 a.m. (Livestreamed)
Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
University of Mount St. Vincent
venue.streamspot.com/ca093c2a
Burial
Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 W Stevens Ave, Hawthorne, NY, 10532
Missions
- St. Barnabas High School, Bronx, NY, Teacher, PT/Religion, 1965-1966
- Academy of the Resurrection, Rye, NY, Teacher, Religion, English, 1966-1968
- Cathedral, All Saints Branch, Manhattan, NY, Teacher, Religion, 1968-1969
- Holy Family; St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School, Staten Island, NY, Parish Work, Religion Teacher, Religion Department Chair, 1969-1971
- St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School, Staten Island, NY, Dean of Students, 1971-1972
- St. Gabriel High School, New Rochelle, NY, Dean of Students, 1972-1975
- St. Gabriel High School, New Rochelle, NY, Principal, 1975-1980
- Archdiocese of New York, Associate Superintendent of Secondary Schools, 1980-1992
- Archdiocese of Newark, NJ, Superintendent of Schools, 1992-1995
- Archdiocese of Newark, NJ, Secretary of Education/Superintendent of Schools, 1995-2006
- Sisters of Charity Center, Mount Saint Vincent, Regional Coordinator, 2007-2015
- Sisters of Charity Center, Mount Saint Vincent, Coordinator of Special Projects, 2015-2019
- Sisters of Charity Center, Mount Saint Vincent, Assistant to the President, 2019-2023
Rest in Peace, Sister Dominica!
Sr. Dominica loved interacting with new people. For many years I knew her from afar but noticed how others showed her great resect. When she became a Regional Coordinator she became my liaison to the Board. I soon realized why she earned such respect. Her advice was always right on Dominica was a good leader., thoughtful and respectful. Dominica deserves to rest in the peace of God who undoubtedly will be seeking her advice soon. .
So sorry for your loss and sorry to have missed Sr. Dominica by three year’s at St. Gabriel in NR. so many friends in heaven !
Sr. Dominica was a role model on every way and I treasure the time I worked for her in the Archdiocese.
Rest in peace
May she rest in eternal peace. God bless.
Rest in Peace, Sister Dominica! You will be greatly missed.
Prayng for all of you Sisters, as you mourn the loss of Sister Dominica. She did great things for so many, one of our Brothers , Brother James McVeigh (RIP) worked with her in Newark and had great admiration for her. Rest assure that she made a Huge Difference!
Peace,
Brother David
.Sister Dominica is an inspiration. Reading about all her Education and year’s of service teaching, She must have been an amazing person, May she rest in perpetual peace. May “Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Dominica was a beautiful soul. She left me with many happy memories. Meeting her on September 8, 1964 was the beginning of a lovely friendship. Rest in peace in paradise.
What a wonderful educator and a loyal friend to all of the staff at the New Jersey Catholic Conference!