Patti Jo Deerkoski Tocci

Patti Jo Deerkoski Tocci of Riverhead, N.Y., passed away Oct. 7, 2023. Born April 2, 1966 in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was 57. 

A 1984 graduate of Mattituck High School, Patti received her Licensed Practical Nursing degree from BOCES and went on to become a Registered Nurse through Suffolk County Community College. She spent many years working in the emergency room at Peconic Bay Medical Center, formerly Central Suffolk Hospital, where she provided care and compassion to countless local residents. 

Patti cherished her Polish heritage and valued family and traditions above all. She had a huge heart, was fiercely loyal and always happy to help a friend or family member in any way that she could. Patti could easily recall special dates and details, which made those around her feel appreciated and loved. In addition, she was an excellent cook; whether it be creating a new dish or replicating some of the most treasured family recipes. 

Patti also had a great sense of humor and was able to effortlessly make others laugh by turning an average every-day event into a truly entertaining story. She was naturally athletic and at one point even mastered the art of riding a unicycle! 

Life on the North Fork was special to Patti. She took pride in planting vegetables and plowing fields on the farms of family members when she was growing up. She loved the beach and spent hours there in the summer reading and working on her famous tan. She enjoyed the bounty of produce grown on area farms and delighted in fresh, local seafood.

Patti was a devoted mother to her two sons, Matt and Kyle. She provided continued love and support to them throughout her life.

In her later years, Patti and her husband Phillip, became dog parents to some special dachshunds, who, despite their shenanigans, she adored.

Patti is survived by her loving husband of 17 years, Phillip, her sons Matthew Deerkoski and Kyle Thum, her parents Patricia and Joseph Deerkoski, her siblings James (Dawn) Deerkoski and Keith (Jessica) Deerkoski as well as her many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

The family will receive visitors at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck on Oct. 12 from 3 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will take place on Oct. 13 at our Lady of Good Counsel in Mattituck at 10 a.m. followed by interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Cutchogue, N.Y.

Donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers or Peconic Bay Medical Center. 

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