Josephine "Penny" DiMicelli

Josephine "Penny" DiMicelli died on December 16, 2021, at home in Marlboro, NJ, in the care of her devoted family. She was 96.

She leaves five children: Donna (Joel), Leonard (Karen), Jeanne (Ron), Thomas (Laurie), Daniel (Peg); her daughter-in-law Deborah; and ten grandchildren: Bryan (Roxane), David (Louiza), Matthew (Meri), Diana (Michael), Eric, George, Joseph, Andrew, Thomas, and Danielle. She was predeceased by her husband Leonard, son Vincent and sister Patricia.

Penny was born and raised in Newark, NJ. Although her parents were deaf, Penny could hear and speak perfectly. She was also a fluent "sign speaker" who enjoyed the company of deaf friends. She remained close to her dearest childhood pals for life.

She and her husband raised their family first in the Bronx, NY, then in Red Bank and Tinton Falls, NJ, where she lived for 35 years. She last lived with her daughter Jeanne and family in Marlboro for 16 years.

After her children were grown, Penny worked as a real estate agent and participated in peace organizations. She was a long-time parishioner of Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Colts Neck, where she took part in Bible Study sessions.

She was an avid reader, prodigious writer of letters and cards, and dedicated gardener and animal lover, especially birds. Visitors admiring her garden were often invited to undertake a small chore.

Penny devoted much of her life to being a caring, thoughtful and tireless wife and mother. A superb cook and hostess, her many home gatherings wove an especially close family. Cheerful and outgoing, Penny had a gift for connecting with others and making you feel special. She will be keenly missed by her family and friends.

If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please consider The Southern Poverty Law Center and the NRDC.