Mary Caparazzo

Mary Caparazzo (DeSantis), 96, passed away peacefully at home on December 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born the youngest of three daughters in Orange, New Jersey. After marrying the love of her life, William, she settled in West Orange, where she and her husband built a home and raised their two daughters. Mary’s sisters, Rose and Paula, resided with them and were an integral part of the family unit.

Family was the center of Mary’s world. She poured her heart into nurturing her children, and that same devotion extended to her 6 grandchildren and each new great-grandchild who came into her life. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her family: celebrating their milestones, supporting their dreams, and offering the unconditional love and strength that became her hallmark.

Mary’s favorite place to be was Lavallette, where she found peace and happiness surrounded by her family, friends, and the laughter they shared. Even though Mary lost her sight in 2000, her faith and cheerful demeanor never faltered: she “picked herself up by the bootstraps” and continued living her life to the fullest.

Her legacy of kindness and compassion will live on in the generations she helped shape, the traditions she created, and the love she gave so endlessly.

Devoted mother of Carol Napurano, her husband Anthony, and Brenda Cignarella and her husband Ernie.  Cherished “Mema” of Christie Lemberger, her husband Eric; William Cignarella, his wife Alana; Lindsey Zacharias, her husband Derek; Kimberly DeTerlizzi, her husband Andrew; Jaime Guinta, her husband Alex; Carly Korkmaz and her husband Mehmet.  Proud great-grandmother of William, Sienna, Hudson, Brielle, Ashton, Brendan, Carson, Smith, Avery and Laila.  Mary was also survived by her sister-in-law Tina Galante and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary was pre-deceased by her husband William Caparazzo, her parents Giacobbe and Fernanda DeSantis, and her sisters Rose “Roz” DeSantis and Paula DeSantis. 

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Monday, December 15th from 4-7pm.  Funeral on Tuesday, December 16th, assembling at the funeral home at 9am, followed by the funeral mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover at 10am.  Entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s name to Journey Hospice North by visiting: www.journeyhospicenj.org or to the Seeing Eye by visiting: https://seeingeye.org/

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