Veronica Picone Matuk

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 daughters Jacqueline Adele Matuk Jbara and Lisette Victoria Matuk Bodmer, and grandchildren Lilah Grace, Erik Arnold, Elias Antonio, and Luke Alexander, and siblings Laura Picone Kelly, Rosemarie Picone, Alice Jacobs, and David Jacobs.

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.

Funeral service details to be announced once finalized.

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.