Anne Marie D Aquilina

Anne Marie Delaney Aquilina, 73 of Manchester, passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by loved ones on Friday, February 24, 2023. Anne was born in Somerset Hospital and grew up in Middlesex. She lived in Toms River and eventually resided in Brick with her husband Tom, for over 25 years before moving to Manchester in 2019. She was an integral part of the 911 programming for all area police departments while working for Verizon for over 30 years, before retiring in 2001. Anne Marie was an avid gardener and created planters and hanging baskets that were magnificent splashes of color spring through fall. She cherished spending the chilly months in Lauderdale by the Sea with Tom, friends and family. Her favorite travel excursions included trips to Italy & Hawaii with dear friends, making memories and always tasting the "finest" White Zinfandel from near and far. Anne, also known as Nana, orchestrated a Gingerbread House making event every year, hand-blending over 20 pounds of icing for the house-full of house decorators to add obscene amounts of candy to. This tradition will live on in her honor.
Christmas was her favorite time and she devoted days to constructing her Department 56 village, hand-made and personalized all family members a Christmas stocking, baked Italian Christmas cookies that would make you doubt she was an Irishwoman, and was dubbed an honorary Italian by her family & friends. She had a snarky and witty sense of humor. Anne Marie will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know her. The joy and lasting memories she created will live on as it is time to say goodbye for now.
Surviving is her husband of 28 years, Thomas D. Aquilina, bonus daughters, Lisa Aquilina, Gail Spina & Donna Donner & husband Tom, grandchildren, Zack, Dakota, Hannah & Elijah, brothers, James, John (Susan) and Paul (Janice) Delaney, niece, Emily & nephews, Andrew & Michael. Memorial Gathering is Thursday from 1 PM to 3 PM with a 2:30 PM service at Oliverie Funeral Home, 2925 Ridgeway Rd. Manchester. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice or to the American Cancer Society, 2310 RT#34 Suite 1D Manasquan, NJ 08736.