Alyce Louise Zegel

Alyce Zegel, a resident of Smithtown, NY, passed away on August 19, 2026, after a long illness. She was 83 years old.

Born November 30, 1942, in Holbrook New York, Alyce was the daughter of the late John A. and Emma E. (née Brown) Boniberger. Alyce grew up steps from the shore of Lake Ronkonkoma, where she spent many happy summers with friends and her niece Nancy. In winters she loved ice skating and often recalled a memory of skating under the moonlight.

A resident of Smithtown for the last several years, she also resided in East Islip when her children were growing up, and later Central Islip. Alyce started work at Southside Hospital, then years later at the Suffolk County Chapter of AHRC in Bohemia until her retirement. She was a valued, long-time employee, and thoroughly enjoyed her tenure there.

An avid reader, Alyce loved the peace and solitude of good books and movies. She was a quiet, private person, sharp-witted, and had a special love for animals and nature. She fondly recalled her brother Eddie’s ice boat, a ride in her brother Gene’s Piper plane, and a surprise talent for target shooting. She found great joy in attending live music performances, often at Westbury Music Fair, Broadway shows, particularly Jersey Boys and Phantom of the Opera, and we must mention her enduring love of Johnny Mathis.

She loved cats and was rarely without a feline companion. Her favorite cat was “the one she was with at the time.” She particularly “got a kick” out of Joey, who lived in a vet’s office for years before she chose him at a pet adoption event.

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum was a special place to visit with family and friends throughout her life and held many memories.

She is predeceased by her brothers, Gene, Ralph and Edward Boniberger. She is survived by her sister, Janet Lamm of Lake Ronkonkoma, daughters, Susan Zegel of Woodside, NY, Judy Mazgulski and spouse Lisa Bianchi of Rocky Hill, CT and son, Gregory Zegel of Aberdeen, NC. She is also survived by many nephews, including the Lamm boys, Tom, her godson David, and wife Debbie, Roger, Dennis and wife Barbara, Kerry and wife Regina, Christopher and wife Barbara, as well as her Boniberger nephews and niece. She enjoyed very much the correspondence and cards from Marnie Hall and daughter Sinclair.

Her family wishes to thank the staff of Senior Helpers of Smithtown, Elke, and aide, Erica O. who offered support during her illness. Their reliability and kindness provided much needed trust when caring for a loved one.

Visitation hours are from 2-6pm on Sunday, August 23 at the Moloney Funeral Home’s Mother Teresa Tribute Center in Lake Ronkonkoma. Family will hold a private service at the Tribute Center Monday morning with burial following at St. Lawrence the Martyr Cemetery in Sayville, NY.