Dorothy "Dotty" (Cendali) D'Emilia

Dorothy M. D'Emilia (nee Cendali) of Brigantine, formerly of 3 John Court, Park Ridge, N.J. and of 1508 Ericson Place, Bronx, NY, passed away at home in the arms of her four sons on Sunday, October 16, 2016 (seven weeks short of her 87th Birthday) and in the presence of her daughters-in-law Sue and Kelly and her niece Trina. Dotty, the daughter of John and Millie (Persani) Cendali was born at home in the Bronx on December 4, 1929 and given the middle initial M. in honor of her grandmothers Maddalena and Matilda. She graduated from PS 71 and Christopher Columbus High School, and was married to Frank D'Emilia at the Italian Parish of St. Theresa's in the Bronx on April 22, 1951. After a short time in the NYC business workforce, Dotty married and later moved to Bergen County where she raised four sons with her husband Frank until his early death in 1975. She was active in the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Our Lady of Mercy ("OLM") CYO where she volunteered as a Den Mother, a Chaperone, and as an Assistant for presentation of young people's plays. A widow at the age of 45, Dotty then worked part-time jobs to make ends meet including work in a doctor's office. Later in life she moved to Brigantine where she enjoyed The Shore, the developing entertainment areas and volunteered for many causes such as Young at Heart and Helping Out Together. Dotty served as the President of the Brigantine Senior Citizen's Club for four years (2 terms) and also as the club's Secretary and Entertainment Coordinator. She also was a volunteer at the Atlantic City Medical Center. Her long-time companion Edward Kemly passed in October 2008. Dotty enjoyed spending time with her family, casinos and collecting Lighthouse paraphernalia, and was proud of her Italian Heritage and of her extended family in Varzi, Italy. She took particular pride in her beloved grandchildren: Julie, Ryan, Patrick and Emma. Dotty was a real personality and was outgoing with a passion for friends, family and an occasional Cosmopolitan. Dotty is survived by her four sons, Bob (of New York and New Hope); Paul (of Brigantine) and Granddaughter Julie; Todd and wife Sue (of Wilmington DE); and Rick and wife Kelly (of Middletown NJ) and Grandchildren Ryan, Patrick and Emma. Dotty is also survived by her brother John and her sister Doris, and cherished nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Frank D'Emilia who died on September 4, 1975. Relatives and Friends are invited to attend the Visitation with the Family on Wednesday, October 26 from 9:30 to 10:40 AM followed by a eulogy and memorial mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 331 8th Street South, Brigantine, NJ 08203 under the direction of Keates-Plum Funeral Home. Luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, Dorothy has requested that memorial donations in her name be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis TN 38148 (please include Memorial ID Number 10625707). Share Memories at www.keatesplum@lifecelebration.com.