Ann Loretta Volpe

Ann L. Volpe, a cherished matriarch, and beacon of warmth, concluded her journey through life on June 3, 2025. Ann, who was born on December 31, 1939 to Elisa DeStefano, the last of 11 DeStefano siblings, in Brooklyn, NY, spent 85 unforgettable years cultivating a legacy of love, strength, and kindness, which will continue to inspire all who had the joy of knowing her.
Ann, also called Anna by those closest to her, was born and raised in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, NY before relocating to Hazlet, NJ 27 years ago. Ann met her husband Carmine while working together at RCA. She married Carmine in 1962 and together they had three daughters, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Ann worked for various institutions such as Harper Row Publishing, Masters Mates & Pilots, and as the personal secretary for Michael Gladstein, Ann's meticulous attention to detail and unwavering reliability left a lasting impression on her colleagues and those she supported.
However, it was within the walls of her own home where Ann's irreplaceable influence was most palpable. She embraced the role of homemaker with all her heart and soul, pouring love and care into every corner, turning it into a sanctuary for her family. Ann was known for her boundless energy and industriousness. In her younger days, Ann would think nothing of moving furniture and painting an entire room by herself, somehow still having enough energy to make dinner for her family. Ann was a true mother at heart to all that knew her, and a fierce protector of her family. She was a member of the PTA when her children were young and became the "Trip Mother" for the school requiring her to research and schedule fun trips for the students at PS 179 in Brooklyn. Even when Ann returned to work, she often chaperoned the school trips and attended all of her children's school plays. Ann taught CCD for many years at the local Catholic parish. She was often a strong advocate for the less fortunate children she taught.
Ann's passing is mourned by her devoted daughters Maria Volpe and Laura Ciumei; her son-in-law Curt Ciumei; her grandchildren, Noelle Cooper and her husband Zac, Christopher Ciumei and Brittany Ciumei, and her fiancée Ryan LaRocca; and the apple of her eye, her great-granddaughter Nancy Ann Cooper; as well as many relatives and friends. She is predeceased by her husband Carmine Volpe; her 10 siblings, as well as her mother.
Ann was the heart and soul of her family, she hosted Christmas Day every year at her warmly decorated home in Brooklyn and then later-New Jersey. She loved the holidays so much. Her family could often find her on her couch just quietly admiring the glowing tree with the numerous animated figures underneath. She also loved watching Harry Potter and Lord of the Ring movies, Barbra Streisand, romance novels, and trips to Atlantic City. She was mischievous, fun-loving and had a belly laugh you felt deep inside. There was no event that she didn't make immediately lively, warm, and joyful. She taught many of her family members how to cook. She was known for her chicken soup, "Sophia Loren" pasta, marinated chicken, eggplant, and the most delicious rice balls you've ever had. If there wasn't enough leftovers to feed 20 people on her table, she didn't think there was enough food. "Did you eat enough?" was a favorite phrase second only to "Animal!" when someone was teasing her about her height.
Over the years, countless rounds of rowdy, name-calling Hearts games were played, along with epic Trivial Pursuit battles-where cheating and collusion were not only rampant but hysterical.
She is now with her beloved husband and biggest Carma-luch" at last-and hugging her mother, and all her brothers and sisters in heaven. In fact, it must be quite an event up there right now-with the arrival of the youngest DeStefano sibling among them and now the party can really start. Ann will be profoundly missed by her family, a multitude of friends, and the many hearts she touched. As she herself might say, your family and friends will miss you "with a passion."
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Waitt Funeral Home, 501 HWY 79, Morganville, NJ 07751.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at St. Gabriel's Historic Church located on St. Gabriel's cemetery's premises, 549 Newman Springs Road, Marlboro, NJ 07746.
Burial will follow at St. Gabriel's Cemetery.