Cecile (Bunny) Masi-Hayes

Cecile “Bunny” Masi-Hayes, 82, of Stony Brook, New York, passed away on March 7th, 2021 in Stuart, Florida surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 4, 1939 in New York, NY. Bunny was the oldest daughter of the late Frank and Cecile DiCarlo.  She grew up in Manhattan and graduated from Julia Richmond High School.  She married her first love and husband, Philip Masi on July 28, 1957. They were blessed with two children Ann and Philip.  They started their lives together in the Bronx then moved to Stony Brook in 1967 to raise their children. Bunny was intelligent, forward-thinking and a life-long learner.  She returned to work when Ann and Philip were in elementary school as a cafeteria monitor in Mount Elementary School then began studying and taking the Civil Service exams. She moved up the career ladder to secretary to the Assistant Principal of Ward Melville H.S. and eventually worked in the District Administration Building and retired from the Three Village School District in 1996. Bunny and Phil were married for 46 years until his death in 2003.  In 2005, Bunny began the second chapter of her life and found love again. She and David Hayes were married in October of 2007. For over 13 years, together, they have enjoyed a rich social life spending summers in Stony Brook, NY, winters in Stuart, Florida, and a few adventures to boot.

Bunny was a parishioner of St. Philip and James Roman Catholic church in St. James for over 50 years. She had tremendous faith. Whenever she encountered a trial in life or with her health, she would always say “It’s in God’s hands”. She meant it and truly trusted in God.  Her faith grounded her, she prayed fervently, attended mass regularly, served as a Eucharistic Minister and always saw the good in people. She was extremely generous with her time and talent. Bunny would be the first to help or assist someone in need, provide care, and could always be counted on to listen and advise.  During the pandemic, she made over 75 masks, carefully sewn for friends and family. She baked dozens of elaborate cookies and gave them to those close to her during the Christmas season.  Bunny, an avid reader, loved to learn new skills and always kept abreast of current events, especially politics.  She took up golf at age 80, practicing on the putting green everyday with the goal of playing the course with the experienced players. Bunny embraced technology, mastering her iPad, texting, using emojis, GIFs and was eager to be challenged with other new technologies.

Bunny’s children and four grandchildren were her pride and joy. She attended as many of their activities in and out of school as possible. She is survived by her husband David, daughter Ann Cuccia (nee Masi) of Hampton Bays, son Philip Masi and wife Karen Masi of Holbrook, stepson Michael Hayes of Hauppauge, grandchildren Colin Cuccia of Brooklyn, Ava Cuccia of Hampton Bays, Philip and Joseph Masi of Holbrook, a brother Francis DiCarlo and his partner Loretta Lentini of Wantagh and a sister Karen Wallen and husband Robert of Bellport. Bunny also leaves behind dear life-long friends Larry and Annette Gulino and best friend Helen Villafranco. Bunny is predeceased by her sister Barbara Nelms and brother Thomas P. Amling.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS DONATIONS TO:  Lustgarten Foundation, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, American Heart Association
Lustgarten Foundation

St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital

American Heart Association