Moriches weeps as beloved diner waitress Juliette Wilczek dies

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Moriches is shedding a collective tear this week.

It seems anyone who ever dined at the Moriches Bay Diner and had the fortune of meeting Juliette Wilczek has been deeply touched by the loss of the legendary overnight server.

Wilczek, 56, who died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 10, leaves behind a legacy of warmth, artistry and dedication that resonated with seemingly everyone who knew her during her 28 years of service at the popular eatery.

Hundreds of customers have taken to social media, pouring out their hearts with fond memories of Wilczek, who lived in Shirley. Her daughter, Erica Valsamis, captured the profound impact her mother had on the community: “I’m crying reading everyone’s kind words about my mother.”

The memories shared by her longtime patrons tell the story of a woman who was much more than a waitress.

“I just saw you Sunday, I’m in shock,” Kelly Gorman Lavazoli said, commenting on a Moriches Bay Diner Facebook post that shared the grim news with the community. “You were such a sweet, hard working girl… The Diner isn’t going to be the same without you.”

Many customers shared how Wilczek, in her server’s apron, witnessed their life milestones

“She was our girl during the rum runner days and as time went on, watched us go from crazy kids to adults with children,” Kelly Knight commented.

Michelle Brandi-Moodt fondly remembered Wilczek sneaking desserts to her kids, laughing as she did so. And customer Danielle Ann’s simple words sum up the sentiments of an entire community: “She was the best waitress in the world.”

Wilczek was heralded for her incredible ability to serve a packed diner without ever writing down an order and she was praised for her gifted artistry, reflected each year in the elaborate Christmas scenes she painted on the diner windows.

“You will always be remembered as the legendary overnight waitress who served a full packed diner and never had to write not one thing down,” the Moriches Bay Diner family wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post. “Our Christmas windows will never be the same without your talented artwork. You were a true friend to all your coworkers and a true gem to our family.”

A Levittown native who graduated from Island Trees High School in 1985, Wilczek’s artistic nature extended beyond the diner. Wilczek was an avid painter and drawer who found joy in theater and music, passions that she shared with her family.

Wilczek’s grieving younger sister Veronica Steinmann shared a touching tribute on her Facebook page.

“She was the hardest worker around, an amazing sister, daughter and mother, cousin and friend. She would literally give you the shirt off her back,” Steinmann said. “She had a heart of gold! Truly. I don’t know how I’m supposed to live without her.”… Forever in my heart Julie I will miss you every second of every day. Till we meet again. I love you.

In addition to her daughter and sister, Wilczek is survived by her son Zachary Wilczek, and her beloved granddaughter, Emilia Juliette, who carries her grandmother’s name and legacy. She is also survived by two other siblings, Jacqueline Esposito and Jeremy Blask.

Services for Juliette Wilczek

Visitation services will be held in Wilczek’s honor on Monday, Sept. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m., at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes in Miller Place.

Touching sentiments

“She was always there every single time we went to the Diner, with a happy smile on her face and always rocked our food order and made our experience the best ever.”
Stephanie Guisto on Facebook

“She was the hardest worker around, an amazing sister, daughter and mother, cousin and friend. She would literally give you the shirt off her back. She had a heart of gold! Truly.
I don’t know how I’m supposed to live without her … Forever in my heart Julie.
I will miss you every second of every day. Till we meet again. I love you.”
Veronica Steinmann, Wilczek’s sister

“I remember being at the diner with friends late at night and we would always ask to be with Julie, she was such a beautiful person in and out.”
Joe Loguercio