Theresa Mastronardi

Theresa Mastronardi, 94, formerly of East Hanover & Maplewood, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2022. 

Born in the Bronx New York in 1928, Theresa was always so proud to remind her family that she was an “American Citizen”, while many assumed that she was not. At age 3, Theresa and her family moved back to Italy where she met and married the love of her life, Enrico Mastronardi.  They married in 1952, came to America, and settled in Astoria, Queens and started their family. In 1966, Theresa and her family moved to Maplewood, NJ, where they raised 6 children and their dog Coco for 29 years – before moving to East Hanover, NJ.

While raising her children in Maplewood, her door was always open to any friends who came and an extra plate was always set at the table for them.

Theresa was a fabulous cook, natural homemaker and wonderful seamstress; making all of her children and grandchildren’s Halloween costumes and preparing countless family Sunday dinners.  Theresa was often called the Italian “Mary Poppins” and “Baby Whisperer” as she cared for children in need and could sooth even the fussiest baby.  She was affectionately nicknamed “Mother Theresa” because of her unwavering dedication to family and friends, especially caring so effortlessly for those sick or in need.

Theresa loved all holidays as her large family would gather together to celebrate, which gave her such joy and happiness. Halloween was one of her favorites and her family would wait in anticipation of what costume she chose to make for herself each year.  Her sense of humor would keep her family laughing and friends smiling routinely. Perhaps it was Theresa’s big smile or warm personality that made people gravitate towards her, wherever she went, immediately a new friend was made.

Theresa was blessed with 15 beautiful grandchildren and 2 adorable great grandchildren, who she loved dearly and gave her immense pleasure when in her company. She took such great pride in her family and often share stories about them whenever she had the opportunity. She loved lunches, visits, and daily phone chats with her beloved sister Josephine.  She was also blessed with a loving Sister-in-Law Angie and Brother in Laws Vincent and Mike. Theresa had a loving best friend Lena of 73 years whom she visited with routinely, telling stories and sharing laughter together. Theresa lived on her own until 10 months ago where she had a wonderful aide named Maia, with whom she shared companionship.

Theresa loved her family dearly and will be missed beyond measure by each and every member. Her legacy will live on in her family and for all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Devoted mother of Joseph Mastronardi, his wife Mary Ellen, M. Carmela Citarelli, Lorraine Melahn, her husband Bruce, Vincent Mastronardi, Roseanne Hogan, her husband Kenneth, Giuliana Ritchie and her husband Scott.  Cherished grandmother of Jessica, her husband Ryan, Joseph, James and Jenna, Erica, Dylan, Julian and Briele, Alex, Drew and Geo, Madison and Dean, Lucas and Logan.  Proud great-grandmother of Emily and Avery.  Dear sister of Josephine Sessa and her husband Vincent.  Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Theresa was pre-deceased by her husband Enrico, her parents Vincent and Maria Carmela (Miseo), and her siblings Vincent, Antoinette and Lucy. 

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Thursday from 4-8pm.  Funeral on Friday assembling at the funeral home at 9am followed by the funeral mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover at 10am.  Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Theresa’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, see donation box below for details…

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