Emily Zammataro

Emily Zammataro (Longobardi), of East Hanover, New Jersey, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Inglemoor Rehabilitation & Care Center in Livingston. She was 96 years old.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1930, Emily was the eldest daughter of Michael and Catherine (Gioe) Longobardi. She grew up in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn in a close-knit Italian family alongside her two beloved sisters, Carmela (Mille) Mongiovi (Danny) and Laura Cirrincione (Sal). The three sisters shared an extraordinary bond throughout their lives — truly three peas in a pod!

It was in Bensonhurst, in 1945, that Emily met the love of her life, Vincent "Vinny" Zammataro, a young man who lived just across the alleyway. What began as a neighborhood romance blossomed into a lifelong marriage, and a beautiful family that would become the center of Emily's world.

Emily was a devoted mother and homemaker who dedicated much of her life to raising her three children, always wanting the very best for them and doing what she could to help them build happy, fulfilling lives. She cared deeply about her children’s futures while cherishing and preserving the traditions of her Sicilian/Neapolitan heritage, especially through her wonderful cooking and treasured family recipes. For Emily, some of life’s greatest pleasures were found around the family table, where good food brought generations together and created memories and traditions that continue to this day. Getting everyone together for a simple "dish of macaroni" was all the occasion she ever needed. Over the years, she lovingly passed down her treasured recipes to her children and grandchildren. Today, many of those same dishes are still prepared and enjoyed by the generations that follow her — a delicious and enduring part of her legacy.

Emily was also a wonderful storyteller and the keeper of her family's history. She loved sharing stories of her parents, grandparents, and relatives, recounting how earlier generations made their way to America in search of opportunity, built new lives, and found their own fortunes and new beginnings through hard work, faith, and family. These stories were more than memories; they were lessons in gratitude, perseverance, and the importance of remembering where we came from. Perhaps that is why the song God Bless America held such a special place in Emily's heart. To her, its words reflected the hopes and dreams of those who came before her and the blessings of the life and family they built in this country.

Beyond her love of cooking and family, Emily enjoyed gardening, tending to her homes, and, in later years, traveling with her sisters and their husbands. Those trips brought much laughter and countless cherished memories. But no matter where life took her, Emily was always happiest when her family was together eating, drinking, laughing, playing cards and games. Nothing brought her greater joy than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were her pride and joy, and she delighted in watching her family grow through the generations. Her warmth, humor, stories, and unconditional love will live on in each of them.

Emily was predeceased by her husband, Vinny, with whom she shared nearly 80 years of life's journey, building a family and a legacy that endured through the joys, challenges, and complexities of a lifetime together.

She is survived by her three loving children: Ann Guzewicz (Bob), Frank Zammataro (Jeannie), and Cathy Segreto (Paul); her five cherished grandchildren: Michael Guzewicz (Laura), Emily Fenger (Peter), Max Zammataro, Maris Zammataro, and Laurie Ann Siegle (Matt); and her seven adored great-grandchildren: Penelope, Frankie, and Sam Guzewicz; Mollie and Theodore Fenger; Izabelle Zammataro; and Emma Grace Siegle. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to those who cared for Emily with such kindness, compassion, and dignity, especially Janet, Clemente, Lois, and Evelyn, as well as the dedicated caregivers and staff of Atlantic Health and Inglemoor Rehabilitation & Care Center. Their care and devotion brought comfort to Emily and her family, and will always be remembered with deep appreciation.

Emily lived a long and beautiful life, rich in the things that mattered most to her — love, family, tradition, and togetherness. She leaves behind not only cherished memories, but also the recipes, stories, values, and family bonds that will continue to bring generations together.

Her greatest legacy is the family she loved so dearly, and the love that will continue to unite them.

Funeral services will be held privately for the family under the direction of Leonardis Memorial Home.