Photo courtesy of Rossi Funeral Home - Scotch Plains
Scotch Plains, New Jersey
Jean D. Newman (nee Fatzler), 93, of Scotch Plains, NJ passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024. She was born and raised in Irvington, NJ and was a proud graduate of Irvington High School where she established life-long friends. She enjoyed attending class reunions over the years fondly recalling her time playing the cymbals in the marching band. Jean moved to Scotch Plains, NJ in 1954 where she raised her 6 children.
She started a second career as a dental assistant for Drs. Robert E. Grill, Jr. and Sr. in Scotch Plains where she loved greeting patients and lunching with her co-workers. Jean’s humility and good sense of humor made her approachable and she genuinely enjoyed meeting new people and listening to their life stories. She was so consistently kind, sweet and fun she was dubbed the nick name “Mean Jean” jokingly by her children. Her enthusiasm for all things included books, crossword puzzles, desserts, food, the theatre and her Catholic faith. In lieu of good-bye, Jean would remind everyone to “Keep the Faith.”
She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Henry C. Newman, her loving son, Charles H. Newman, parents, Martha and George Fatzler, brother, George Fatzler and her dear aunt, Lillian deBerg. Her memory will live on through her children: Kathleen Troiano (Tom Friend), Milford, NJ; Marie Marcella (Steve), Flemington, NJ; Mary Ellen Pelzer (Siegfrid), Cape Elizabeth, ME; Paul Newman, Scotch Plains, NJ; and Doris Newman (Joe Glavin), Westfield, NJ, along with 11 grandchildren (Jennifer, Nicole, Rachel, Christine, Lauren, Rudy, Julian, Jason, James, Joseph and Jane) as well as 6 great grandchildren. Heartfelt appreciation also goes out to her loving caregivers, Marisol Mancilla, Nicole Fenton, Karen Larose and Mary Donna Adams. She has left fond memories with all those whose lives she has touched.
Family and friends can visit on Sun., Oct. 20th from 2-5 pm at Rossi Funeral Home, 1937 Westfield Ave, Scotch Plains. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 21st at 11 am at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church, 2032 Westfield Ave., Scotch Plains. Donations in Jean’s name may be made to any charity.
Read MoreMrs. Newman was a wonderful mom and great neighbor as a kid growing up in Scotch Plains. Always letting us have fun in the yard while making sure we didn't get out of line. I lost touch many years ago after I left NJ but had the pleasure to speak to her just over a year ago.
My heartfelt condolences (very late) for the entire family.
God Bless,
Walt Bolil
Walter Bolil
June 02, 2025 | Richmond, TX | Neighbor
My sincere condolences to the Newman family. Jean was a great friend and coworker for many years and I have fond memories of all our lunches together .She was a joy to work with, always with a smile for everyone.
Susan Pietrovich
October 18, 2024 | Melbourne, FL | Friend
I am so very sorry to hear of Mrs. Newman’s passing. I remember fondly of all the times spent at your house and the big smile she would greet everyone who came to the door. She often wore an apron as she was always busy cooking in the kitchen. A wonderful woman and a life well lived. My deepest sympathy.
Linda Walczak
October 17, 2024 | Mount Laurel, NJ | Friend
To Mrs. Newman, a life long staple of my life ~
I shall hold many fond memories within your home where you always welcomed me & all of your children's friends openly. A life lived with grace, as I watched you deal with keeping your family together through difficult times. You were an inspiration xx.
To all the Newman Family ~ my heartfelt condolences to you all ♡
(PS: Love you Doris xx)
Love your VSG neighbor at 404 ♡
Kim Falkowski Wetherall
October 17, 2024
