Millbrook – Antoinette Delores Setaro Lempka, 104 years old and a life-long resident of Millbrook, died at Sharon Health Care Center on Wednesday, October 21, 2015. Born on October 9,1911 in West New York, New Jersey, she was the second oldest child of Joseph and Lucia Setaro. Mrs. Lempka graduated from Millbrook Memorial High School in 1929 where she excelled in music and voice. Besides starring in a number of musical roles for local theatrical companies, she went on to study voice professionally. In 1936 she and her cousin won the New York State Duet Contest and were awarded a contract to sing on New York Public Radio. In 1939 she was part of a musical quartet that won the New York State Quartet competition. She was also part of the Papal Choir which performed for Pope John Paul II at St. Patrick Cathedral in New York City. On September 8, 1945 she married Walter Lempka at St. Joseph’s Church in Millbrook who predeceased her in 1976. For over 50 years she was employed by the George T. Whalen Insurance and Real Estate Company in Millbrook where she held various positions. During her lifetime she was involved in many local organizations and causes. She was a member of the Millbrook Needlework Guild, St. Joseph’s Women’s Guild where she held various offices and was a founding member of the Millbrook Sew & So Club. During World War II, she was extremely active in the local Red Cross and was instrumental in organizing bandage campaigns, and fundraising events.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Joan Lempka of Millbrook, four grandchildren, one great-grandchild and her sister, Gloria Ciferri. Two sisters and five brothers predeceased her.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 23, from 5 – 7 pm at 3270 Franklin Ave., Millbrook. A Latin Tridentine Mass will be offered on Saturday, October 24, at 10 am also in the funeral home. Interment will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Millbrook following the Mass.
