Virginia Joan Beechert (née Rocco), beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.
Virginia (affectionately known as Ginger) was born on Feb. 15, 1939, in Queens, N.Y., to Anthony Rocco and Lola Molinari. She raised two sons, Jeff and Scott, who she loved slightly less than her sheepdog, Dusty, whom she called the daughter she never had.
Virginia purchased her first car, a red 1956 Lincoln Continental convertible, at age 18 and began her lifelong love of the road and fast driving.
After graduating from William Cullen Bryant High School, she started her career as a bookkeeper at New York Airways, which provided her with many opportunities to travel, including a memorable trip to pre-revolution Cuba.
After taking a break to raise her young boys, Virginia returned to work as a bookkeeper at the Jamaica branch of the Queens Borough Public Library, eventually becoming head bookkeeper for the whole system.
After retirement, Virginia enjoyed trips to her cottage in Westhampton Beach, frequently walking along the beach and bike riding through town.
Virginia had a love of movies, both old and new, and the music of Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, and Barbra Streisand. She was also a talented artist who dabbled in sketching and watercolors, as well as crafts such as crocheting.
Virginia will be remembered for her fun spirit, sense of humor and infectious laughter (earning her the nickname, Bubbles), basketball talent, and love for her family, particularly her six grandchildren.
Virginia is survived by her two sons and their wives, Jeff (Janet) and Scott (Regina); her six grandchildren, Michael, Christina, Jacqueline, Kaitlin, Gabrielle, and Christopher; and her treasured twin brother, Ken Rocco. She will be missed deeply and lovingly remembered.
The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Graham Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at the Church of the Resurrection. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, N.Y.
