Fundraising To Aid Community Anchor Maria Daleo’s Recovery

by BQE Admin · January 28, 2025

Maria Daleo behind the counter at Food Universe, Courtesy of Rosalinda Zagari

Food Universe Patrons & Staff Become Humanitarians

By Michael Perlman | mperlman@queensledger.com

For 17 years, Maria Daleo has been considered “The beloved soul of the deli department” at Food Universe Marketplace at 102-21 Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills. Furthermore, she is regarded as a community anchor and all-around great individual. She applies her magic touch to her full line of homestyle meals in the back of the shop, but is very much in front with a good heart and as a friend to many patrons. Her cooking’s distinctive aroma has long been a draw, as well as how she goes the extra mile, beginning with a smile.

Daleo is now in great need and very much missed at the counter, as the community is hopeful for her comeback and recovery. Her sister, Rosalinda Zagari of Massapequa explained that Daleo was diagnosed with stage 4 uterine cancer. “Her breathing is very labored, since her right lung has a huge mass. In essence, she is breathing with one half of a lung, since her left lung has tumors. She had four blood transfusions in six days, and is extremely tired with no energy. Doctors will be consulting to see what can be done.”

To achieve success, it truly takes a village. Last week, a GoFundMe was launched by Zagari, and as of Monday morning, $2,453 was raised by 48 donors. Everyone who knows Daleo or may not, but would like to aid in her recovery, is welcome to donate and spread the word: https://www.gofundme.com/f/maria-has-been-there-for-the-communitynow-she-needs-you. “I had no idea my sister made so many lovely friends in the neighborhood. It warms my heart to see the outpouring of love and concern for my sister. This whole thing is surreal!” said Zagari.

A Forest Hills staple, A second home to Maria Daleo for 17 years, Photo by Michael Perlman

“Maria must keep a roof over her head. Her monthly rent is $1,800. She also is in need of money for food and utilities. Being that she is not working, there’s no money coming in,” she continued.

The online fundraising goal is currently set at $12,000. Additionally, funds are being raised at Food Universe, where staff members and shoppers among visitors can place cash in a donation box, if they consult with the manager, Obid Pulatov, or business owner Shay Coriat. Fundraiser flyers are displayed in the storefront and alongside the registers.

Daleo was born in Italy and is the eldest sibling. In addition to her sister, she has a brother named Salvatore, a maternal aunt, and some longtime close friends. When she was a couple of years old, her family moved to Canada, where they resided for a decade, prior to immigrating to America. Zagari explained how her passion originated and blossomed. “Maria learned how to cook from her grandmother and mother, and she is also self-taught. She once worked at Aron’s Kissena Farms in Flushing, cooking mini kosher signature dishes. At Food Universe, she worked six days a week in the kitchen. I would say her signature foods are her various salads, holiday turkey, potato pancakes, and matzah ball soup, but quite honestly, there are too many to name.” When she is not behind the counter, she also loves exploring the city, and spending time with family and friends.

Zagari describes her sister’s personality as vibrant with a welcoming smile, and fondly recalls how her patrons feel as if she is part of the family. She said, “Maria prepared holiday meals for countless people, and just daily dishes. Many people come in solely because of Maria. It’s very hard to see my independent, energetic, and bubbly sister in this situation, but I must be strong for her.”

Manager Obid Pulatov holds a donation box, Photo by Michael Perlman

Manager Obid Pulatov shared a heartfelt appeal for Daleo, which will elevate her spirits: “Maria is not just a co-worker, but a dear friend and someone I deeply respect and admire. Over the past decade, I had the privilege of working alongside her and witnessing her incredible dedication, kindness, and the genuine care she brings to everyone around her. Maria has been a constant source of support, positivity, and inspiration in my life and that of so many others.

As the cornerstone of our deli department, Maria played a vital role in shaping the heart and soul of Food Universe Marketplace. Her skill and passion for preparing delicious food made her a neighborhood favorite, earning countless loyal customers. Maria’s warm smile, friendly demeanor, and personal touch created lasting connections with everyone who visits our store. She is more than an employee—she is a beloved figure in our community, who goes above and beyond to make every customer feel valued and welcomed.

During the pandemic, Maria’s commitment to serving the community never wavered. She worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone’s needs were met, even under the most challenging circumstances. Her holiday menus, from Passover to Thanksgiving to Christmas, are legendary, bringing joy to families, year after year. Customers speak of her delicious dishes throughout the year, and during holidays, she handles hundreds of orders with grace and efficiency. Her culinary creations and unwavering dedication have made her a true neighborhood icon.

Maria’s recent hospitalization has left a significant void in our store and in our hearts. Customers visit daily to ask about her health, expressing their heartfelt concern and sharing stories about how she touched their lives. Her absence is deeply felt, and we eagerly await the day she can return to the deli and a community that loves her.

Many customers who do not have access to online transactions have been contributing cash, and her co-workers and the owner’s family also made contributions, demonstrating the immense love and care. Her resilience and strength inspires us all, and we are hopeful for her full recovery. We kindly ask for your continued prayers and support. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a meaningful difference, and shows Maria how much she is loved and appreciated. Together, we can help Maria through this difficult time, and show her the strength and love of a community she served so faithfully.”

Maria Daleo dresses up for holidays, Courtesy of Rosalinda Zagari

Several local patrons also composed statements to extend well-wishes and share memories. Betty Steinman: “I am so sorry to learn that Maria is not well. I’ve known her for many years at Food Universe and the many incarnations of that supermarket. Maria has always greeted me with a smile and interest in how I am doing. One time, I asked her which day she made turkey legs, my favorite. Knowing that it is often difficult for me to come to shop, and turkey legs might be gone when I arrive, Maria kindly suggested that I call her a day before that special turkey leg day, and that she’ll save one for me. How thoughtful! Maria is a love. I miss seeing her. My sincere wishes for a speedy recovery and a happy return to our supermarket.”

Heddy Schmidt: “I met Maria many years ago when moving into my neighborhood. She is one of the kindest, most hardworking people I know. We became friends over her amazing lemon chicken, and ever since, she fed me and everyone else in our neighborhood with her joy of cooking, paired with her heart of gold. Maria is the person who makes sure everyone has a fresh holiday cooked meal. She makes sure there is a chicken cutlet or turkey meatball in the back, so no one goes hungry. She made me 200 potato pancakes for my whole school every year for Chanukah, knowing that my teachers and staff fell in love with them after grabbing a taste years ago. Maria has a kind word and a smile for everyone. She runs the back deli like a tight ship, and it’s always hilarious to see her working with her co-worker, Mike. I always joke that they act like an old married couple. Maria is what community is all about! She makes this neighborhood feel like home. When you walk into the market and are lucky enough to smell her cooking up one of her creations, she’ll call you back to have a little taste. Her menu expanded over the years, and you could see how happy she was, knowing she was making a difference and touching everyone with her delicious entrees, salads, appetizers, and soups. Every dish she created seemed to top the one before. I always told her she should open her own catering business, but she just loved being able to cook and making everyone happy. Maria opened up her heart even more recently, and adopted her sweet dog, Fiona. She was so happy to be able to spoil her rotten! We all miss Maria so much, and want to see her feeling well and back to what she loves. I’m sending my friend much love and an abundance of prayers and healing.”

The counter where the magic touch begins, Photo by Michael Perlman

Maxine Wallis-Gottlieb: “Maria is one-of-a-kind, and I don’t think she can ever be replaced. Our relationship started during the pandemic. She saved our lives. I work long hours every day, and I am not that young anymore. All I had to do was call the market, speak to Maria, and tell her what I would like. She was the most accommodating and loving person I have ever met. Her dishes were delicious. Every night, my husband, Murray Gottlieb, would ask, ‘Who made this dish?’ Even on the Jewish holiday, when we couldn’t see our family, Maria made us a real holiday dinner from soup to nuts. My favorite foods are just too many to mention. There was never a time when I would say something was not good. I miss her food so much, and I miss speaking to her. I pray every day that G-D will make her better, and return to Food Universe. Even if she can’t come back, I just want her to be well and strong, and speak to her and say how much I love her.”

Elaine Saffran: “I have known Maria for at least 20 years. Maria has a very strong and honest work ethic. She pushes herself beyond, often working way over her regular hours. When she caters for Easter, Christmas, and Jewish holidays, she works long days to make sure that everyone has everything they need for their dinners. When I asked, ‘Why are you killing yourself? It’s too much for you,’ she replied, ‘Since I love doing this and making people happy.’ I would say her magic touch is love. My favorites are too many to name, but include turkey burgers (the only person who could get me to eat them), baked oven wings, cheesesteak egg rolls, and eggplant parmigiana. I wish her strength to heal and many more years of cooking, if that’s what she wants.”

Sandra Anello: “I have known Maria for 15 years, and she is the nicest, funniest, and sincerest person I have ever met. In every way, she was always ready to serve you. Everything she made was fantastic. I particularly love her stuffed cabbage, asparagus with mushrooms, meatloaf, and chicken cutlets. If you gave her enough time, she was willing to make everything. Her Passover meal was delicious, in addition to potato pancakes, brisket, and chicken soup. Nothing was ever too much for her. We had parties many times per year, and she happily made platters of turkey among other dishes. Her potato salad was out of this world. She got the cake from where she lived, and had it delivered. She went 100 percent out of her way. We miss her terribly and we’re really at a loss, and not only for her catering, but for her warmth, caring, and humor. Please get well soon. We all miss you so much.”