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1963
2025
Lisa Cifaretto – A Life of Kindness, Creativity, and Community
The world became a little brighter on February 3, 1963, when Lisa Marie Cifaretto was born in Jersey City to Nicholas and Maryanne Cifaretto. From the very beginning, Lisa was a gentle, generous soul who found joy in helping others.
Lisa grew up alongside her brother, Nick, forming a bond that remained strong through every stage of life. She later welcomed sister-in-law Amy into the family, sharing countless memories and laughter together.
Lisa had a heart as big as the ocean she loved. The beach was her sanctuary — a place where she felt peace, inspiration, and connection. She carried that same warmth back to everyone she knew, whether through a kind word, a home-cooked meal, or one of her many creative endeavors.
Her love of creating was limitless: she filled her days with cooking experiments, photography that captured beauty in the ordinary, and unique wood and resin art pieces that reflected her playful, artistic spirit.
Her greatest joy came not just from what she made, but from the people and pets she shared her life with. Lisa adored her dogs, Ruffino and Pringle, as well as her beloved fur nieces and nephews. Her friends and family knew they could always count on her — Lisa showed up for everyone, every time.
Lisa was also an inspiring leader. As President of the Toms River Artist Community (TRAC), she found deep purpose in supporting local artists and giving back to the community she loved. This work fed her soul and allowed her to leave a lasting impact on others.
Lisa passed away on September 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and connection. Her family, friends, and community will carry her light forward, finding her presence in every ocean wave, every shared laugh, and every moment of quiet joy.
Memorial Mass Information:
*Church of the Visitation, 755 Mantoloking Road, Brick, NJ 08723
*Saturday, September 27th, 2025 11:00AM
In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider making a donation to a dog rescue organization that was dear to Lisa's heart https://rescueridge.com/ Thank you for your consideration.
In Lisa’s honor, take a walk on the beach, breathe in the salt air, and feel her love around you.
20 Entries
Lori Lyons
February 3, 2026
I worked with LIsa years ago (late 80's / early 90's) at Hasbro Games in the Import/Export department. I interviewed her for a position in my department and within seconds I knew she was special - like someone you've always known and immediately felt comfortable with. Smart - clever - inventive - perceptive - capable. And emanating warmth and joy. She was inspiring - even at that young age. I was shocked to learn of her passing and I cannot imagine the giant void that is left behind for those who were lucky enough to spend much more time with her than I did. But she did reach out to me on FB and we "kept an eye on each other" over the years. I'm heartsick that she's gone... but so grateful to have been able to spend time with her. Rest in peace, my friend! Lori Lyons
Lou Del Rosso
September 27, 2025
Dear Nick and Maryanne, Our deepest condolences and sympathy for your unimaginable loss. Patsy just informed me of the mass service. Sorry for not being there, but since we are out of the old neighborhood news travel slowly. We send our prayers and would like to send a Mass card, but we don't know where to mail it. Lou & Sandy Del Rosso.
Linda Chell
September 26, 2025
Rest in peace my friend.
Capriola Family
September 24, 2025
Lisa brought so many people reasons to smile and feel loved in life. She will always be remembered with warmth and grace. May she rest forever in God’s arms.
Alex DePalma jr
September 23, 2025
I will always cherish the time we got to spend together. Rest easy Lisa, thanks for always checking in on me. I know you will continue to have my back, thank you for everything.
Carol Stauffer
September 23, 2025
I worked with Lisa many years ago as co-vice presidents of Trac when we were working hard to increase membership. She was a visionary force in expanding the scope and purpose of Trac to reach artists of all ages in our community. She has a rich legacy most significant of all is the incredible growth and expansion of Trac under her leadership! She was a force for change and good. She will be deeply missed by all of us who knew and loved her.

MHS Reunion
Laura Slowik
September 23, 2025
When navigating through life, we meet people, make new friends, and try to stay connected to the ones we cherish. Lisa was a friend to cherish.
Over the years, and with time, we get busy with work, family life and some friendships fade. With Lisa, it was timeless - we always picked up right where we left off.
There are people that carry on and never take time to appreciate life’s offerings. And then there’s Lisa! With an incredible passion for life, Lisa flourished by expressing herself in art and through the lens of nature’s beautiful landscape.
I was fortunate to receive the greatest gift in life from Lisa – true friendship - a timeless bond that I carry with me until we meet again, Cif. Love you, xoxo - Slick
Father Anthony Lipari, FCM
September 22, 2025
My Deepest Condolences and Sympathy to Maryanne and Nick. I will offer a Mass for Lisa and keep her remembered at Prayers with the Franciscan Friars. Thank you for allowing me to provide visits and The Anointing of The Sick to her. I hope these gave her peace of Body, mind, and soul. Be assured of my prayers to you and your family.
Lovingly,
Father Anthony Lipari, FCM
Susie Hucul
September 21, 2025
Lisa was a force! A beautiful, creative and generous soul who will be greatly missed. ❤ I will always treasure the many times I witnessed her love and generosity to family and friends. RIP Cif! My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Bill Bortko
September 21, 2025
Everything written above is the absolute truth LISA was very creative and a warm soul to everyone around her I remember her showing up at my Dad’s funeral. After delivering the Eulogy - - I made my way down to thank her for making the long drive over to take part in the funeral Lisa replied, “I would have drove across the Sahara desert to be here “.
For me, childhood memories are filled with Lisa and Nicky and of course Mr and Mrs Cifaretto who are the living embodiment of the phrase, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” KINDNESS and GENEROSITY are just two of the family traits Lisa inherited an displayed in life alongside her brother and parents
My prayers are with Mr and Mrs Cifaretto and Nicky and Amy as well as all family and friends grieving the loss of Lisa’s physical presence We take comfort in that her spirit is alive and well and burning bright in the minds and hearts of all those who were blessed to know her God Bless You Lisa, as well as all the Cifarettos, friends and family
Vicki Chaples
September 21, 2025
I have so many memories with Lisa. There was always laughter in the room if Lisa was in it!!! She had a heart of gold and she will be missed!!! RIP my friend!!!!
Vicki chaples
Christopher Brancaccio
September 21, 2025
It’s heartbreaking to lose someone who embodies the joy of art, life with dogs and the sea. I feel we didn’t have time to connect when she was taken by illness. I wish we could have had the time to share our artist minds and creations, love to my godmother Marrianne , Nick and Nickiy on your loss, may she rest in peace.
Nancy Miller
September 21, 2025
Dear Mr & Mrs Cifaretto and Nick,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of beautiful Lisa. I remember her striking blue eyes, kindness and gentle demeanor.
I can only imagine how difficult this time must be for you. Please know that you're not alone, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May Lisa rest in peace
With sympathy and love,
Nancy Bortko & Mert Miller
Brenda Glennie
September 20, 2025
Lisa is one of the greatest people to ever had walked this earth. I had the honor of meeting her in the very late 80s. Her heart was full of joy. And our friendship brought great comfort and happiness to my heart.
She may have lived far away but our connection and friendship grew over the years. From Springfield, Key West, Hallandale Beach to the south west corner of Michigan and last but not least New Jersey.
Lisa left her Mark all over this world of ours. Life will never be the same without you in it. I will forever cherish our friendship. I could go on and on but most of us knew her heart.
I love you lisa Cifaretto "to the moon and beyond " forever and always.
Gonz (Brenda never did sound right coming out of your mouth.
P.k.
September 19, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Deanna Bourassa
September 19, 2025
I’m truly sad to hear about Lisa’s passing! She was a wonderful person and a dear friend! I have many fond memories of Lisa from our softball days in Springfield, MA. Deepest condolences to her family and friends. RIP Lisa♥
Clairebear
September 19, 2025
Cherishing the memories of a wonderful person. Sending Peace and Comfort to all.❣
Judy Berry
September 19, 2025
I had the awesome pleasure of meeting Lisa why back in the early 90's.. Lisa would frequent this Sports bar after she left work in Belchertown, MA. I got to know her first as "the bartender", very soon after we appreciated each other's sense of humor along with the proud way we held our heritage. Lisa Italian, me IRISH, we understood each other. I knew of changes in her life and that she no longer lived in MA. I accidentally came upon this Obituary, sorry but glad I was able to share my feelings about Lisa. I'm the lucky one to have known her, we shared great laughs. God Bless You my friend. ❤
Rosa Viera
September 16, 2025
Lisa, whoever wrote your obituary knew your spirit so beautifully. I was a privilege to know you my friend. To cook beside you, to make memories with you, to laugh and SING our karoake on those fun nights. I will take that walk my friend. I am glad I had the chance to recently catch up and snag your scampi recipe and just get those words of wisdom from you that I will carry on. I love you dear friend. You fought hard.. see you next lifetime.
Alex De Palma
September 16, 2025
In life you develop friendships with people that you become so close with that they become part of your family. Lisa was always Cousin Lisa from the time we were little kids & to our kids aunt Lisa . Lisa was always in your corner & had your back . She was an amazing person of strength & love.
She will be missed by all of us in her family & her extended family . My heart is at peace knowing she is not suffering anymore & she was too tough to want to stick around & not be able to help people. God Bless You Cousin.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Sep
27
11:00 a.m.
Church of the Visitation
755 Mantoloking Road, Brick, NJ 08723